18-Wheeler Slams Into Fire Truck; One Firefighter Killed

Even if the emergency lights were NOT on, what is the excuse for this? You have an object, in this case, an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, or possibly even partially blocking the granny lane. You as a driver, have the responsibility of driving in such a manner that you avoid striking something.

 

The interstate is a dangerous road when accidents occur and even more so when bridges go out. I have been driving interstates for 14 years and 2 routes (I88 NY & I90 NY) had bridges go out during spring rains. Each time at least 2 trucks and drivers were lost. In both cases Dispatch had rerouted me to a different load that saved me. The odds are stacking up against me and it may be time to change occupations.

 

I dunno Billy. I really think we sort of make our own odds out there. It's called "defensive driving." Of course excrement occurs, and sometimes you just get splattered with it.

 

It was a USF Holland day cab

 

Thank You.

I work with the North Carolina State Patrol with B.R.A.K.E.S and we talk to the teens and their parents about the Move Over Law. In NC, the fine is $450 + Court Costs PLUE 5 points on your license. I also tell people that if I can't get over I'm going to slow down but also crowd the white line to give those on the shoulder as much room as possible.

 

That's good. My state was the last one to add the Move Over law. They've been fining $25-$35 IF they don't throw it out. After all, how can you tell if someone is slowing down just by looking at them? My brother wrote quite a few after the introductory period. He got tired of going to court for nothing. Apparently, "I didn't know I was supposed to" is a valid excuse here. <sigh>

 

Thanks SHO-TYME for your work. In case someone doesn't know what B.R.A.K.E.S. is, it means Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe. It's a program started by drag racer Doug Herbert to educate teens the dangers of driving after his 2 sons were killed in a traffic accident. However, that's not what this is about. I just don't understand the big mystery here. Clearly, the driver of the truck fell asleep (or for the benefit of the doubt, had a medical emergency) drifted on to the shoulder, and schmucked the fire truck. Had he been awake( or conscious) he would have moved over, I'm sure.

 

Exactly. It really is this simple.