Volunteer firefighter says controlling traffic after a wreck can be scarier than fighting fires, gives tips for motorists

Firefighters and deputies clean off a road after an accident.
(Photo by Donna Kallmer)

Rural areas often depend on volunteer firefighters to battle the blazes spreading over the western and southern U.S. this summer, but that's not all they do. According to Donna Kallner in an essay for The Daily Yonder, she and her fellow rural volunteer firefighters also play a vital part in helping EMTs, sheriff's departments and professional firefighters respond to car wrecks. That includes not just cleaning up the roadway afterward so it's safe for traffic, but sometimes controlling traffic. That can be scarier than fighting a fire:

"Traffic control takes grit, whether you’re a Good Samaritan with an angel on your shoulder or a trained volunteer. Believe me, it’s scary out there. Folks who are good about pulling over for emergency vehicles running with lights and sirens can’t resist taking a quick peek as they drive past the scene of a wreck. They want to see what happened, what’s happening now, if anyone they know is involved. It’s human nature. But it’s scary to be on an accident scene trying to do your job when motorists are moving through with their heads on full swivel," Kallner writes. "It’s even scarier to be the person holding a sign on a pole a quarter mile away trying to stop traffic before it reaches a scene. You’d be surprised how many people don’t seem to notice the flashing lights, the high-visibility gear, or the person holding the sign who looks like he’s ready to dive for the ditch — which he is."

Kallner wants readers to keep three things in mind if they approach a roadside emergency, for the safety of first responders and drivers: First: there's often very little room to maneuver past a wreck on a country road, so drive carefully and watch for first responders and their vehicles. Second: resist the urge to rubberneck and pay attention to first responders' signs and directions to avoid getting into a secondary accident. Third: remember that the scene of a wreck is very loud, what with idling diesel trucks, sirens, and radios, so don't assume a first responder can hear your vehicle approaching.

"As a passing motorist, you have an important role on the scene," Kallner writes. "We need you to watch out for any and all unexpected movement, and be prepared to stop on a dime or move along briskly if you’re waved at to do so. We’re counting on you. And if you happen to be stopped by traffic control on a hot day and you happen to have a cold bottle of water or Gatorade handy, pass one out the window to the person doing the scariest and most thankless job. They like cookies, too."