Celebrating National EMS Week
by Courtney Conley From May 21st to 27th, National EMS Week recognizes and appreciates the dedication of EMS professionals, who provide lifesaving care to millions of people each year. It’s the perfect time to give a well-deserved shoutout to the incredible people who make up our emergency medical services (EMS) community and take a look at ways to safely share the road with EMS workers.
There were 224 people killed in crashes involving emergency vehicles in 2022. Emergency vehicle drivers accounted for 16% of these deaths, and emergency vehicle passengers represented 8% of the fatalities. It’s not only emergency workers who are put in danger. Half of those fatalities involved people in other vehicles, and 22% of the deaths were pedestrians.
Seventy-two percent of the crashes were multi-vehicle pileups. Crashes involving police vehicles were the most common (149 deaths), followed by ambulances (40) and fire trucks (35). This breakdown highlights the need to be especially aware of EMS vehicles which may be responding to a variety of emergencies, not just situations where sirens are used.
These numbers show us just how important it is to share the road safely with EMS workers.
Here are some ways to safely share the road with EMS workers:
- Move Over: When you see an ambulance or emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens, slow down and safely pull over to the side of the road. This allows EMS workers to reach their destination as quickly and safely as possible.
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for ambulances and other emergency vehicles, especially in areas with heavy traffic or low visibility. Always be prepared to yield and adjust your driving accordingly.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Tailgating an ambulance or emergency vehicle is dangerous. Keep a safe distance and remember that these vehicles may need to make sudden stops or turns.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic laws and signals, as they’re designed to help traffic flow smoothly and efficiently. Following these rules ensures that EMS workers can navigate the roads safely and quickly during emergencies.
EMS professionals are often the first responders in times of crisis, providing critical care and support when we need it most. From EMTs and paramedics to dispatchers and first responders, every member of the EMS team deserves our appreciation. By understanding and practicing safe driving behaviors around emergency vehicles, we can contribute to their mission of saving lives and ensuring a safer environment for all.
Are you interested in learning more about traffic safety?
Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?
Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.
From May 21st to 27th, National EMS Week recognizes and appreciates the dedication of EMS professionals, who provide lifesaving care to millions of people each year. It’s the perfect time to give a well-deserved shoutout to the incredible people who make up our emergency medical services (EMS) community and take a look at ways to safely share the road with EMS workers.