Move out of the way for first responders

To the Times: I read with tremendous interest your recent article regarding the Move Over laws.

I know that I will be dating myself, however, I recall when studying for my driving permit test in Pennsylvania that there was a question as to what to do when you hear a siren or see an emergency vehicle. The answer was “pull over safely” to the side of the road. I know that this was required in all states so I am confused as to why this would be considered a new initiative.

I am in complete favor of this initiative, particularly after my husband, a first responder who while on duty on July 14 of this year and working the 7 pm to 7 am shift in Ridley Park was struck by a vehicle. His call was to assist a disabled motorist. He pulled onto the scene and his emergency vehicle and two (2) other responding emergency vehicles were on the side and middle of the roadway all with their emergency lights flashing. While my husband was out of his vehicle and talking with the driver of the disabled vehicle, a driver came down Chester Pike and struck my husband throwing him first onto the striking vehicle and into the windshield and then onto Chester Pike.

It has been 15 long weeks on the road to recovery for my husband. He has suffered serious injuries not to mention pain and suffering. We are fortunate that he is here with us today. Others, as you have pointed out in your article, have not been so fortunate. Clearly a guardian angel was with my husband that fateful evening. In addition, the trauma doctors believe, as do we, that his bulletproof vest played a huge part in him being with us today by protecting his vital organs.

I have always been under the impression that if and when you see an emergency vehicle with lights and/or siren on, that you should pull off the roadway. For the life I me I cannot understand why drivers today do not do this or even think it is okay to continue driving in their lane.

Think about this: If that emergency responder is rushing to your home or that ambulance is carrying your loved one, or that fire truck is going to your parent’s home, get out of the way so that they may proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible. It could be someone you love that they are rushing to save.

We all need to slow down in our daily lives and take time to appreciate and respect others who are simply trying to do their job.

Think about this: If that emergency responder is rushing to your home or that ambulance is carrying your loved one, or that fire truck is going to your parent’s home, get out of the way so that they may proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible. It could be someone you love that they are rushing to save.