Union County EMA Offers Safety Tips for Drivers Encountering Crash Scenes

Photo from the Union County Fire and Rescue Facebook page.

Motor vehicle accidents happen daily, ranging from minor fender-benders to serious crashes involving multiple vehicles and injuries. While these incidents can be traumatic for those involved, Union County Emergency Management Agency officials say they also pose significant risks to public safety personnel responding on scene.

In a public safety reminder released this week, Union County EMA urged drivers to take extra precautions when encountering accidents on the road to help protect first responders and others.

Officials say the first and most important step is to slow down. Crash scenes can be visually distracting due to damaged vehicles, debris in the roadway, and, in some cases, injured individuals. While drivers may feel compelled to look, EMA officials stress the need to focus on driving and maintaining control of the vehicle.

If no emergency vehicles are present, drivers are advised to find a safe place to pull over and assess the situation — but only if it can be done safely. Accidents on low-traffic roads may allow for safer assessment than those on busy highways. Drivers should call 911 and be prepared to provide key details, including the location of the crash, whether the road is blocked, how many vehicles are involved, the number of injured people, and whether a fire is present. That information helps dispatchers determine the appropriate response.

When emergency vehicles are already on scene, drivers should slow down immediately and remain alert. Flashing lights from multiple vehicles can be distracting or disorienting, particularly at night. Law enforcement officers may be directing traffic, and motorists are urged to follow instructions carefully. Traffic may be stopped temporarily to allow responders to perform critical tasks.

EMA officials also reminded drivers that emergency personnel and vehicles may be working very close to active traffic lanes. Firefighters, EMS workers, and law enforcement officers may be wearing turnout gear or reflective vests, but can still be difficult to see in certain conditions.

“Please help us stay safe on these accident scenes so that we can help the people involved,” the agency said, emphasizing that driver awareness and caution play a critical role in protecting both victims and first responders.