Bam! One Text Or Call Could Wreck It All!

As mentioned in yesterday's blog post, April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Today, we continue with a short, yet powerful, video that we hope you take a moment to view.

Remember, the vast majority of car crashes are preventable incidents and NOT accidents.

Make the right call as one text or call could wreck it all!

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month - One Text Or Call Could Wreck It All!

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Why would MCFRS become involved in an awareness campaign like this? Because, sadly, our fire and rescue personnel respond to car crashes each and every day to assist those who have been injured -- or worse. This includes pedestrians who have been struck as well.

The vast majority of these crashes are preventable and our goal is to prevent folks from having to make that 9-1-1 call. Distracted driving is definitely preventable.

Remember, one text or call could wreck it all! Visit our partners in safety to learn more: http://www.distraction.gov

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

“Please Abide – Pull Aside”

Do you know what to do when approached by an emergency vehicle? The metropolitan area is often crowded and congested with traffic conditions caused by commuters, collisions, work zones and sometimes just “normal” traffic.

Emergency vehicles are impacted by these conditions, as well. When somebody calls 911 for help – the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service respond. How can everyday drivers help us to help you? – Normally drivers will HEAR usfirst, next they will SEE us, and then we need drivers to CLEAR for us.

HEAR US - SEE US - CLEAR FOR US 

C – L – E – A – R for emergency vehicles.

C – Calmly pull to and as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and stop.

L – Leave room. Keep intersections clear and never try to follow emergency vehicles.

E – Enter into traffic with caution after the emergency vehicle has passed. Remember to use signals.

A – Aware (be). Be aware of your surroundings. Keep radio volume low and check rear view mirrors frequently.

R – Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching.

When approached by an emergency vehicle – the law says to pull over to the closest parallel edge of the roadway and yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle is one with an audible siren and/or siren and emergency flashing lights. When driving and approaching an emergency scene – slow down and move over. In other words - “Give us a brake!”

Reduce the risk of an accident near an emergency scene and around emergency equipment.

Stay alert – expect anything to occur when approaching emergency vehicles.

Pay close attention – watch for police or fire direction.

Turn on your headlights – let on scene workers and other motorists see you.

Don’t tailgate – unexpected stops frequently occur near emergency scenes.

Don’t speed – slow down.

Keep up with the traffic flow – dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.

Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations and using mobile cell phones while approaching these areas.

Expect the unexpected – keep an eye out for emergency workers and their equipment.

Be patient – remember, firefighters and EMT’s have been called to the scene and are working to help someone.

In Montgomery County pedestrian and traffic safety issues are front and center. If you travel by car or are a pedestrian, please place extra emphasis on safety. Simply looking both ways before crossing a street, crossing in a crosswalk, spending a few extra seconds to cinch the belt on your child's safety seat, or delaying departure to ensure you get enough rest before a long trip can make all the difference. Preventative safety, while measured in seconds or minutes, can save you from months or years of anguish, grief, and "what if". Be smart. Be safe.

What Slows Down Emergency Responders When Every Second Counts

This from NBC Nightly News that we were a part of.  Part Two is below.

Every 15 Minutes Program Today At Poolesville High School

Below is video from this mornings mock crash in front of Poolesville High School.  This is a day long event that we are partnering with Montgomery County Police and Poolesville staff on.  Our hope is that this program will help make the kids aware of distracted or drunk driving and help them to make good choices to avoid being in the situation below.

Street Smart Safety Tips

During the Street Smart campaign, which runs through May 13, law enforcement officers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia will be watching for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists who violate traffic safety laws. Drivers and cyclists who fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, as well as pedestrians who jaywalk, can face fines that range from $40 to $500. Drivers also are subject to getting points on their driver records.  Information on the new campaign and the Street Smart public education program may be found at www.bestreetsmart.net

Safety Tips:

If you’re driving…

• Slow down and obey the speed limit

• Look twice for people in crosswalks and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists

• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles

• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections when you're turning

• Allow three feet when passing bicyclists

• Look for cyclists and cars before you open your door

• Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving

If you’re walking…

• Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available

• Wait for the “Walk” signal to cross the street

• Watch for turning vehicles. Before crossing look left, right, and left again

• Be seen! If you’re walking after dark or in bad weather, make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing light clothing or something reflective

• Don’t text while you’re crossing the street

• If you’re on an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution

If you’re biking…

• Obey all traffic signs and traffic signals

• Ride in the direction of traffic, at least a car door width away from parked cars

• Use hand signals so drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know what you’re going to do

• Always wear a helmet

• Use lights if you’re riding at times of darkness

• If you’re on an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution

• Slow down and watch for pedestrians on sidewalks, trails and in crosswalks