JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Every time we approach an intersection, we are at one of the most dangerous places on the road.
Whether you’re in a hurry to make a light or casually coasting through a green signal, intersections demand your full attention and adherence to traffic laws, especially when emergency vehicles are involved.
The consequences of inattention, impatience, or law violations at intersections can be catastrophic, particularly when collisions involve fire trucks and other emergency responders.
Intersections are a common site of traffic collisions due to their convergence of multiple traffic streams, varying signals, and potential pedestrian crossings.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly 50% of severe traffic injuries and 25% of all traffic fatalities occur at or near intersections.
Now, consider adding an emergency vehicle, like a fire truck, to this environment.
These large, fast-moving vehicles can travel with lights and sirens activated, yet their visibility and sound cues can sometimes go unnoticed by distracted or negligent drivers. Some of these distractions include texting while driving, involvement in important phone calls, loud music, and fatigue.
NFPA data on fire apparatus collisions
The National Fire Protection Association has published detailed reports over the years highlighting a recurring threat to firefighters and civilians alike: vehicle collisions involving fire department apparatus.
According to the NFPA’s 2023 U.S. Fire Department Profile, there were 16,500 vehicle collisions involving fire department emergency vehicles, with 700 of those collisions occurring at intersections.
Fire trucks are designed for power, not agility. They have longer stopping distances, broader turning radii, and limited visibility zones.
When civilians fail to yield the right-of-way, block intersections, or attempt to beat emergency vehicles through lights, the consequences are often devastating for everyone involved.
What are the laws and responsibilities at intersections
Most states follow a version of the “Move Over” law and require drivers to yield to approaching emergency vehicles. This includes:
- Pulling to the right and coming to a complete stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens.
- Never block an intersection during a red light.
- Waiting until the emergency vehicle has passed before proceeding.
Red light running, a major cause of intersection crashes, is both illegal and deadly. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that more than 900 people die each year in the U.S. due to red light running, with thousands more injured.
Distracted driving: A deadly trend
Distracted driving, particularly mobile phone use, continues to plague road safety. Even a momentary lapse in attention can mean the difference between life and death at an intersection.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 people died in distracted-driving-related crashes in 2022, many at intersections.
When a fire truck is proceeding through an intersection and a distracted driver fails to yield, the risk of a high-impact, multi-vehicle crash skyrockets.
How to stay safe
Here are some life-saving tips to remember every time you approach an intersection:
- Stay alert – Always scan the intersection for signals, pedestrians, and approaching emergency vehicles.
- Never block intersections – Don’t enter an intersection unless you are certain you can clear it.
- Obey all signals – Stop on yellow if you can do so safely and never run a red light.
- Yield to emergency vehicles – If you see flashing lights or hear a siren, remain vigilant and have a plan to pull over to the right and stop.
- Avoid distractions – Put your phone away and keep both hands on the wheel.
It’s everyone’s responsibility
Intersection safety is everyone’s responsibility. By paying attention, obeying traffic laws, and yielding to emergency responders, drivers can help prevent tragedies involving fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. The NFPA’s reports make it clear: these incidents are frequent, deadly, and often avoidable.
Joint Base San Antonio Fire & Emergency Services require all drivers of emergency vehicles to obtain internationally accredited driver operator certification with extensive vehicle specification training and hours of driver’s training.
The JBSA Fire Department vows to take extreme care while operating emergency vehicles and use additional caution when approaching intersections. With the help of the community, JBSA will continue to be a premier installation.
References
- NFPA. U.S. Fire Department Profile 2023. National Fire Protection Association. (https://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research)
- NFPA. Firefighter Fatalities in the United States – 2023 Report. (https://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/data-research/fire-statistics)
- NHTSA. Distracted Driving 2022. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving)
- FHWA. Intersection Safety. Federal Highway Administration. (https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety)
- IIHS. Red Light Running. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (https://www.iihs.org/topics/crash-avoidance-technologies/red-light-cameras)