Latest Blogs

Typically, when we think of first responders, we have thoughts of helpful, life-saving individuals who seemingly reach the scene of an accident within the blink of an eye. It rarely, if ever, crosses our mind that the individuals who work to protect and serve citizens might also pose a threat to the safety of other drivers on Florida roadways.

Ambulances, police cars and other vehicles used by first responders are generally filled with various devices, including cell phones, two-way radios, laptops and GPS units -- all of which can lead to distracted or dangerous driving. While it is true that use of such technology can possibly save lives, the devices might also lead to serious accidents and injuries.

A Deeper Look Into the Problem
According to a recent article in the Naples Daily News, there have been over 4,000 distraction-related collisions in recent years that have involved Florida first responders. More specifically, the story notes that responders in southwest Florida were involved in more distraction-related collisions than the general public from 2011 through 2014.

The director of the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy commented in the article that, “overall, law enforcement officers have always been held to a higher standard and should be, for everything; personally, driving. We’re trained more than an average citizen…We should be better trained than a normal citizen that gets their license when they’re 16 years old.”

The article goes on to point out that first responders were distracted by incidents or individuals outside their vehicles on almost 30 occasions between 2011 and 2014. Such distractions included everything from red-light runners to large, suspicious crowds and dogs running loose.

The Devices That Distract Emergency Responders
As noted above, there are a number of devices that can distract first responders. Analysts have found that about 75 percent of police vehicles and 30 percent of ambulances are equipped with computers that are typically used to assist first responders with the emergency at hand. GPS units are also used to help responders reach the emergency quicker.

As important as computers and GPS units are to responders, they generally are not easy to operate, particularly when traveling at high rates of speed in an effort to reach the emergency in a timely fashion. The dangers associated with using a computer while driving are quite obvious to anyone.

Can Anything be Done to Improve Emergency Vehicle Safety?
Just because certain devices exist does not mean they are appropriate to use in certain instances. That said, it is important for first responders to be able to assess the need to use such devices during particular situations and evaluate the need to protect citizens from distracted drivers. Adequate training should be provided to police personnel and paramedics who may be in a position to use such equipment while driving.

State and city legislators might also create rules and best practices for using such devices that will assist users with avoiding potentially dangerous situations while driving. Some law enforcement officers throughout the country use the Project54 system, which was created by a group of individuals at the University of New Hampshire to integrate certain vehicle systems and devices within motor vehicles so that they are easier to use.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a first responder, you are encouraged to contact a Ft. Myers personal injury attorney like Randall Spivey right away. Let the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. help you obtain the just compensation you deserve.