Clearwater Firefighter Hit On I 94 Reminds Drivers To Slow Down For Emergency Personnel

In the past, I have written about police officers that have been hit on Minnesota roads.These are officers who are on the roads doing their jobs. Protecting society and doing their work in full uniform with lights going.

We can not forget, that there are others that are also out on the roads protecting people. This week a Clearwater firefighter was hit by a car and had both of his legs crushed below the knee when a motorists drove into him. The fire crew was dealing with a fire to another vehicle on Interstate 94. Hopefully, he will heal quickly.

Minnesota law requires all cars to move over one lane when emergency vehicles are on the road. It’s pretty simple to keep those actions in mind. While the law doesn’t directly require a reduction in speed , it’s the safe thing to do and it is taking into consideration the conditions at the time.

If it’s wintry weather and the emergency vehicles are dealing with a car in the ditch, consider for a minute how the car got there. It’s probably a case of the road itself being especially slippery in the very same area. A couple of times a year, we will be involved in layered car accidents where one car hits another and within the next ten minutes, two or three more impacts take place. A good look out and slowing down will make a difference. Also if you are in an accident, make sure you clear yourself and all passengers away from the dangers of oncoming cars.

"With emergency lights and flares out in this case, there was no excuse for this crash to occur," State Patrol Capt. Matt Langer said, adding that drivers need to slow down and give emergence personal room.