‘Impatient’ Drivers An Issue For First Responders

The president of the Saint John Firefighters Association is asking drivers to do their part to help keep first responders safe.

A firefighter in Winnipeg was recently clipped by a vehicle while helping at a crash scene.

Craig Melvin says it is important for drivers to slow down, move over, and keep their eyes on the road.

“Firefighters are paying attention to the job and the task at hand trying to help the public,” said Melvin. “We don’t pay attention to the traffic as it’s coming by.”

Firefighters use several tactics to help reduce the risk of injury, such as positioning their vehicles to protect a collision scene.

But Melvin said impatient drivers are an issue for firefighters and all first responders.

“We’ve seen instances where people have honked at us, they have driven over our fire hoses, driven around barricades,” he said.

New Brunswick’s ‘Move Over’ law requires vehicles to slow down and, if possible, move over when passing a stopped emergency vehicle.

Melvin said they can report drivers who ignore the law, but are often too focused on their work to see a vehicle’s licence plate.

“We’re out keeping the public safe. While we work, we ask that you help keep us safe.”