TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — This week is “Crash Responder Safety Week” which highlights the critical need for drivers to be alert when passing first responders and law enforcement on the road. KMVT spoke with local first responders about the issues they’ve seen when on scene of an incident.
“Most of what I see is people passing by– they’re trying to record,” says Corporal Michael Guest.
You may remember back in 2022 an Idaho State Police Trooper, Michael Wendler was struck by a distracted driver on I-84 while responding to a vehicle fire in Jerome County.
“The motorist was on her phone when he was trying to direct traffic,” says Guest.
Wendler suffered critical injuries and even lost part of his memory. By 2023 he was medically retired from the ISP. However, incidents like this are why “Crash Responder Safety Week” is so important.
“We would definitely recommend drivers to keep their attention to the roadway and driving and not be concerned with recording an accident while driving,” says Twin Falls Fire Department Station 2′s Battalion Chief, Corey Beam.
First responders have been urging drivers to follow the law. Specifically, Idaho Code 49-624, which states that drivers are required slow down and move over when approaching a stationary vehicle.
“The proper thing to do is pull to the right, as its safe, pull to right and get out of the way,” says Manager of the Magic Valley Paramedics, Stan Flint.
According to Flint, first responders usually have back-up support to avoid rescuers from getting injured by distracted drivers. Including the Jerome Sheriff’s Office.
“A lot of times there are troopers that will actually stop at my scene and specifically watch for that,” says Guest.
At the Twin Falls Fire Department, they’re trained to be prepared for possible accidents when responding to an incident on the roads or highways.
“Guys and gals who are trained to drive our engines, often they will park those fire engines in a way that protects the scene, so if someone were to crash into a scene, they will crash into the truck before they crash into our responders,” says Beam.
The consequence for not slowing down or moving over for stationary vehicles is a citation and a $90 fine. If any first responders are injured, you could face jail time.
“In response to what happened to Wendler, they since passed an aggravated reckless driving law that makes it a felony for anybody that causes severe injuries,” says Guest.
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