Motorists reminded to exercise caution at crash scenes

The National Traffic Incident Management Coalition has launched a program to clear lanes quickly, keep traffic moving and protect emergency medical technicians and other roadside responders after a traffic accident.

"Vehiclerelated incidents account for roughly 20 percent of firefighter deaths," said Mark Light, executive director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "A growing number of those are firefighters who are struck at the scene while helping others. Hundreds more are injured. It is a problem we share with all roadside responders, and we need to work together towards a solution."

The coalition is working in association with AAA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs to implement "move over" laws in all 50 states. The laws will require motorists to change lanes when possible and always slow down while approaching and passing a traffic incident.

"We support this effort in Ventura County," said Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper. "When responding to a traffic collision, our firefighters are concentrating on aiding patients and making the scene safe. Because of their focus on lifesaving, firefighters are in extreme danger from inattentive drivers who may drift into the scene while they gawk or drivers who compound an already dangerous situation by driving too fast through a debris field and cause another accident."

Law enforcement officers, tow truck drivers, ambulance personnel and road workers all face the same hazards.

"We hope the laws pass," said Ventura County Fire Capt. Barry Parker, "but the solution is actually very simple: slow down, move over and be careful. This will protect the people working along the side of the road and help to get lanes open faster. Pay attention. Don't make a bad accident worse."