More than 1,000 crashes involving emergency vehicles responding to incidents have been reported in Kentucky over the past three years, and six of them were fatal, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
As Crash Responder Safety Week begins, law enforcement officials are urging drivers to follow safe practices when approaching emergency personnel working at crash scenes.
Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles said his truck was struck by a vehicle while he was helping Bath County officials with a crash on I-64 in September.
“I never saw it coming. The speed of the vehicle, according to the download from the computer, was 77, with no brake activation,” Charles said.
He suffered a severe concussion, a swollen spine, and a bruised sternum, among other injuries.
“I knew I had been in a serious accident, I just didn’t know how serious it was at the time,” he said. “God had his hand on my shoulders that day because everything had to go right, and if any of those hadn’t occurred, then I wouldn’t be here today.”
Mount Sterling Police Captain Kalan Perdue said the incident deeply affected his officers, given their close relationship with the sheriff’s office. He emphasized the importance of slowing down when drivers see blue flashing lights.
“No one wants to be out there during this time. We hate that people are being late for their appointments or late for work, but sometimes it’s more important to stop, slow down, and think about the repercussions when people aren’t paying attention on the roadway,” Perdue said.
Charles added that while drivers should always be cautious around first responders, this week serves as a reminder that these responders are people hoping to return home safely to their families.
“I’m sure that whatever you’re thinking or doing at the time, that you’re not concentrating on your driving, is not near as important as their wives, sons, and daughters that are waiting on them. Drive safely, make sure you buckle up, and have some regard for others,” Charles said.
First responders also want to highlight the expansion of the “Slow Down, Move Over” law. The rule initially applied only to first responders and tow trucks, but as of this summer, drivers must move over for any vehicle displaying flashers, flares, or other warning signals.
Crash Responder Safety Week starts Monday and ends Friday.
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