FIRE TRUCKS GET GREEN LIGHT
WRECK-LESS DRIVING ©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist
FIRE TRUCKS GET GREEN LIGHT
JOHNSON CITY, TN.: Reader Holly W. sent to us news clippings of real interest. In her city some fire department vehicles have been equipped with an electronic device which turns traffic signals green as the trucks approach. Cross traffic automatically sees a red signal light. Before this there was so much danger for the trucks at each signal light controlled intersection that despite bells, horns, sirens, and flashing colored lights other vehicles would continue to cross the intersection and be a hazard to the fire apparatus. Previously, to avoid crashes the fire trucks had to stop at each traffic light to be safe.
This new electronic system gets the emergency apparatus to the trouble scene that much sooner
Some traffic safety officials suggest that the fire truck should be enabled to turn the traffic light to red for all directions. This would stop all non-emergency vehicles and the fire truck could then cross the intersection with greater safety.
State laws require all vehicles to stop whenever emergency apparatus is in sight as signaled by its loud warning sounds and lights. If there is room to do so, move to the side of the road. Otherwise stop and let the emergency driver find a way through the traffic. But move, if you can, when you see that it is trapped by surrounding vehicles. Truly, time is of the essence here.
Thank you, Holly, for reminding us of our lawful duty to react safely to the passing of emergency vehicles..
GHD92 all rights reserved
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist
FIRE TRUCKS GET GREEN LIGHT
JOHNSON CITY, TN.: Reader Holly W. sent to us news clippings of real interest. In her city some fire department vehicles have been equipped with an electronic device which turns traffic signals green as the trucks approach. Cross traffic automatically sees a red signal light. Before this there was so much danger for the trucks at each signal light controlled intersection that despite bells, horns, sirens, and flashing colored lights other vehicles would continue to cross the intersection and be a hazard to the fire apparatus. Previously, to avoid crashes the fire trucks had to stop at each traffic light to be safe.
This new electronic system gets the emergency apparatus to the trouble scene that much sooner
Some traffic safety officials suggest that the fire truck should be enabled to turn the traffic light to red for all directions. This would stop all non-emergency vehicles and the fire truck could then cross the intersection with greater safety.
State laws require all vehicles to stop whenever emergency apparatus is in sight as signaled by its loud warning sounds and lights. If there is room to do so, move to the side of the road. Otherwise stop and let the emergency driver find a way through the traffic. But move, if you can, when you see that it is trapped by surrounding vehicles. Truly, time is of the essence here.
Thank you, Holly, for reminding us of our lawful duty to react safely to the passing of emergency vehicles..
GHD92 all rights reserved
posted by WRECK-LESS at Friday, November 11, 2005
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