Beyond the Flames – ‘Be Sure to Pull Over for Emergency Vehicles’

The time of year has come once again during which the traffic is increased in our county. The onslaught of tourists and vacationers flocking to our area is the lifeline to many parts of our county’s economy, but also one of the main contributors to the incidents, which require response from the fire service. With that in mind, here are a few summertime reminders that you should be aware off.
Keep a sharp eye on your surroundings, whenever driving. Just because you know the road like the back of your hand doesn’t mean everybody else does. Be sure to realize that people might not be familiar with our roads.
In addition to the unfamiliarity of those drivers visiting Cape May County, pay close attention to the changes in our roadways following the winter season. Many roads took quite a beating this winter due to the amount of snow, and various potholes and other obstructions have formed as a result. This adds to the potential for accidents, and knowing these dangers and avoiding them before the last second is key to lowering the number of accident.
Not only do the winter months bring changes to roadways such as potholes and other storm-related damage in Cape May County, they also bring altered traffic patterns. Especially in island towns such as Wildwood and Cape May, traffic lights that are simply blinking in the wintertime transition back to fully-operational lights during the high-usage season. Be sure to recognize the changes.
One of the most common sights during the summer months in our county is pedestrians. Our area thrives on the droves of business from vacationers who enjoy walking the streets to local businesses. These pedestrians are at high risk of injury when crossing roadways, and put drivers at high risk for accidents with other motorists.
Stopping at reasonable distances and allowing pedestrians to cross in designated crosswalks is the easiest way to alleviate this potential problem. And in the Garden State, it’s also the law. Failure to stop at a marked crosswalk with pedestrians can result in a $200 fine and two points on your driver’s license.
Also, pay extra attention to those motorists traveling on motorcycles around you. These travelers are often harder to spot, and are at much higher risk of injury in the event of an accident. Remember, just because you can see them doesn’t mean they’re able to see you at an intersection, or hear your vehicle approaching them from behind. Be sure to give extra distance to motorcycles when stopping at intersections and other traffic stops. Be on the lookout for motorcycles, and be sure to give them the same respect on the roadway that you would give to others.
Using extra caution while you drive during the summer season can help prevent unnecessary accidents and added traffic. But even with the greatest amount of awareness, accidents are bound to happen. If you see an accident, please dial 9-1-1 immediately. If you are involved in an accident, please wait for emergency crews to arrive.
Never move a victim involved in a motor vehicle accident unless absolutely imperative – if their life is immediately in danger in their current location. Otherwise, the victims should stay put until qualified personnel arrive.
Finally, be sure to pull over for emergency vehicles and first responders. If you see a vehicle with a blue light behind you, please be courteous and allow them to pass. The quicker they can safely respond and arrive to the firehouse or rescue squad building, the quicker their response can be to assist those in need.
And remember, many of these departments are made up entirely of volunteers who offer their time to protect the community. Many departments are looking for fundraising drives to supplement their costs, and will hold “boot drives” at various locations throughout the county this summer.
Instead of becoming agitated that the firefighters are “slowing down traffic,” be thankful that those men and women are donating their time to protect those you love, and toss in some spare change. Who knows? Someday, those coins could purchase the equipment that saves your life. Have a safe summer.
Knoll, 19, of Eldora, can be contacted by email at bknolljr4cmcherald@yahoo.com. He is a student at Rowan University.
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