Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles in Illinois

 Posted on February 04, 2022 in Car Accidents

Most drivers have had the experience of being on the road and suddenly hearing sirens or seeing red flashing lights. We pull over in time to see a fire truck, police cars, or other emergency vehicles go racing by. Emergency responders provide a valuable service and are generally the first on the scene when threatening and tragic events happen but getting caught in front or alongside them on the road can put you in a potentially dangerous situation, making car accidents and injuries more likely to occur.

Emergency Vehicle Accidents

Police, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) workers have the authority to go above speed limits and to disregard traffic signs and signals to protect the public and save lives in potentially dangerous situations. Unfortunately, these driving behaviors are among the leading causes of car accidents and injuries. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has determined that emergency vehicle accidents pose enough of a hazard on roads and highways to warrant additional studies on how these accidents occur and what can be done to prevent them. In addition to the high rates of speed these vehicles travel in carrying out their duties, other factors involved in these accidents include the following:

• Driver distraction: Emergency vehicles come equipped with the latest cameras and communications technology, allowing them to communicate with dispatchers and other first responders in their efforts to manage a crisis. Unfortunately, responding to communications and using visual aids are a major distraction, which is a leading cause of car accidents.

• Errors in judgment: Emergency responders work long shifts, are under high stress conditions, and are subject to adrenaline spikes when facing dangerous situations. All of these takes a toll on both their physical and mental health and can make critical mistakes and errors in judgement more likely to occur.

• Motorist mistakes: When emergency vehicles come flying down the road, sirens blaring and lights flashing, it can be difficult for drivers to determine which direction they are coming from or the best course of action. If you are approaching an intersection or in high traffic conditions, these situations can be particularly dangerous.

Contact a Cook County Accident Attorney Today

We all appreciate the dedication by emergency responders to serve and protect the public, which makes it even more challenging when crashes or collisions involving these vehicles occur. These cases are also more complex to pursue and require the legal experience of a skilled Glenview, IL car accident attorney. If you have been injured in a crash involving an emergency vehicle, call Gruzmark Law, Ltd. at 847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.

Source:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_336.pdf