Motorists causing problems for firefighters

Firefighters encounter many obstacles when getting to an emergency. Those obstacles are namely, other drivers on the road.

While the standard procedure is for drivers to pull over to the right, stop and let them pass, that seems to go right out of the window as soon as flashing lights and a siren are involved. It might not be that drastic, but apparently it is a regular occurrence and a huge hindrance for firetrucks and ambulances when seconds may count.

Fort Sill's Engine One responded to a fire alarm going off in Geronimo Lodging June 30 and in the less than five minutes it took to get there, more than one driver responded incorrectly.

"People just aren't getting out of the way. If you can't pull over, you can't. But we run into it all the time where they just don't anyway. Or they want to outrun us," said Capt. Scott Finney.

Finney explained that "outrunning" means the driver thinks they can go faster than the emergency vehicle and just keeps driving. While it may be their version of getting out of the way, it doesn't work.

"That creates a big problem because when we get to stoplights then we've got tons of people wadded up at these stoplights instead of them just pulling over initially and being completely out of the way for the rest of our response," said Finney.

With sirens blaring, Lt. Jeremy Thomas drove the firetruck down Sheridan Road approaching the light at Geronimo Road. That's when a car in the left hand lane decided to not pull over to the open right lane but instead crossed the center line and pulled over on the opposite side of the road.

"I know he saw us but he didn't want to pull over. He wanted to get where he was going and then made a terrible choice. We deal with that every day," said Finney.

When asked, every firefighter shared a frustrating story about a driver not getting out of the way. And while knowing what to do is a requirement to get your driver's license the firefighters said there are still some who just don't.

There are other reasons for these jams including blaring stereos that drown out a siren or drivers being in "la la land" and not being aware of the emergency vehicle.

Thomas said when learning to be a firetruck driver he was told to anticipate other drivers' actions, which can be very difficult considering how many vehicles are on the road at any given time.

He said normally on a two-lane road he will drive in the left lane to give other drivers the option to pull over to the right. If drivers do find themselves already at a stoplight it would be best to stay put and let them go around.

"Some drivers will get in the turning lane to get out of the way, but it never fails that's where we were wanting to go," said Finney.

While it may seem like an inconvenience to some drivers, the job of the emergency assistance workers is vital and could save the life of a co-worker, friend or loved one who needs their assistance.

"Just use your mirrors. Be aware of your surroundings. If all of a sudden you look up and there's lights in your mirror, don't just clamp down. Go ahead and slowly ease off the road."