Fire Chief urges drivers to pull over following crash

February 20, 2016 · 0 Comments

Last Tuesday morning, at approximately 8.45 a.m., police, firefighters and paramedics were called to a three vehicle crash on Highway 10 near 25th Sideroad in Mono.

After receiving the call on February 9, Shelburne’s volunteer firefighters arrived at the station, geared up and were ready to roll out. Right before leaving for the call, supplemental information came in that advised the firefighters that this call was urgent in nature, so they knew they had to act fast.

Upon leaving the station located on O’Flynn (right at the top of William Street) they headed South towards Highway 89 and were trying to turn East when they first encountered issues with drivers not giving them the right of way.

“We were in emergency mode with full lights and sirens going and at the first intersection we came to there were three to four vehicles that we had to wait for before we could continue en route to the scene,” says Chief Brad Lemaich. “Once on Highway 89, we again encountered drivers who pulled in front of the truck without even indicating.

“I understand there are situations when drivers have difficulty pulling over to the side when traffic is heavy, however that was not the case en route to this call; this was blatant disrespect for us”.

As a result of this, Chief Lemaich went on the Shelburne and District Fire Department’s Facebook page to sound off at drivers.

Since then, the post has been viewed over 500,000 times, was shared over 5,000 times and comments were approaching the 600 mark, some of which came from as far as California and the United Kingdom.

“All the comments have been positive and most verbalize their disbelief with drivers,” says Lemaich.

When driving, always stay alert and avoid distractions.

Keep the noise level down in your vehicle and use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over.

When the emergency vehicle has passed, check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic and remember to leave 150 metres between your vehicle and an emergency vehicle.

It is illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call.

When emergency vehicles are approaching in either direction, drivers need to slow down, signal and move to the right.

Pull as close to the right edge of the road as you can and clear all intersections.

Drivers who do not follow the rules could incur fines, demerit points, possible jail time and possible suspension their driver’s licence for up to two years.

Some comments on the Facebook page told firefighters to take down vehicle and plate information, however Chief Lemaich advises they just don’t have the time.

“We are focused on the call we are going to and making sure that we are prepared for whatever situation we have to deal with,” he says.

Chief Lemaich urges all drivers to have respect for all Emergency vehicles.

“It only takes a few minutes out of your day to pull over.”

By Michelle Janzen