Traffic snared as a result of automobile accident at Lucabaugh Mill Road and Route 27
Concern grows regarding the safety of the responders as highways get increasingly congested
June 5, 2011
The accident and subsequent clean up, snarled traffic north of Westminster for well over an hour.
At least one person was transported from the scene to a local hospital. No information is available as to the nature or extent of the victim’s injuries or their current status.
Responses to accident scenes are often very complex and are further complicated by roadways that are congested with more and more motorists who may not take the extra care necessary at an accident scene.
The primary concerns of the responders are two-fold.
One: quick, safe and methodical attention to all the injured as a result of the accident.
The responders are highly trained to quickly and safely provide emergency medical attention and get the accident victims to the hospital or to the
R Adams Cowly Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland in downtown Baltimore.
The second concurrent concern is to secure the scene so the responders may work safely – and the roadway near the accident scene stays safe for the motorists not involved in the accident.
Nationwide, concern continues to grow for the safety of the responders as the highways continue to get congested.
There is a growing perception driver behavior has deteriorated in recent years.
For more information, go to
Responder Safety.com, a web site that was “Created as a Committee of the
Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association…”
In his 99-page report, Hess notes that concerns for safety for emergency responders has grown since a 1999
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report.
The NIOSH recommended, “Fire Departments should ensure that fire fighters responding to a scene involving a highway incident or fire must first control the oncoming vehicle before safely turning their attention to the emergency…”
In a
June 2001 NIOSH report, “Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters While Working Along Roadways,” it was reported, “The number of fire fighters struck and killed by motor vehicles has dramatically increased within recent years…
Motorists accustomed to a clear, unobstructed roadway may not recognize and avoid closed lanes or emergency workers on or near the roadway.
In some cases, conditions can reduce a motorist’s ability to see and avoid fire fighters and apparatus…
“These hazards are not limited to the fire service alone. Other emergency service providers such as law enforcement officers, paramedics, and vehicle recovery personnel are also exposed to these hazards.”
When approaching an accident scene slow down, be patient, and watch and listen for instructions from emergency responders.
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Description:
Responses to accident scenes are often very complex and are further complicated by roadways that are congested with motorists who may not take the extra care necessary at an accident scene.
Tags:
Westminster, safety, Carroll, Lucabaugh, traffic, accident, responder, police, NIOSH,
Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No.1,
Maryland State Police Barrack G,
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,
Westminster Police Department R Adams Cowly Shock Trauma Center
Westminster Fire Depart: CT:VCR LUCABAUGH MILL RD / RT 27 WEST BOX:0328 DUE:X39 RE32 RS9
2JE2011 p3ked 15:19/15:38 CT: VCR LUCABAUGH MILL RD / RT 27 WEST BOX:0328 DUE:X39 RE32 RS9 - 2JE2011 p2ked 15:19/15:37 CT: VCR LUCABAUGH MILL RD / RT 27 WEST BOX:0328 DUE:X39 RE32 RS9
[20110602 VCR Rte27 Lucabaugh]
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