By their very nature, emergency vehicles have to share roadways with the general public. For the most part, this can be done safely and without adding to the emergencies they’re responding to. Lights, sirens, and specialized training help reduce the risks associated with emergency responses.
However, that doesn’t mean every response goes smoothly. Sometimes drivers misjudge where an emergency vehicle is headed. Sometimes people miss the lights and sirens altogether and pull into their path. And sometimes, investigators say, the emergency responder is the one who makes a mistake.
That appears to be what happened on Boltonville Road in Newbury, Vermont, around 10 p.m. Friday night. Volunteer firefighter Andrew Hayward, 20, was responding to an emergency call in his 2013 Ford F-150 when he collided with another vehicle.
The 53-year-old Roxbury woman driving the other vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Authorities have not released information about Hayward’s condition.
Firefighter To Blame
According to WCAX, Hayward was displaying emergency lights on his Ford F-150 when the crash occurred.
Investigators say he failed to stop at a stop sign before entering the intersection and colliding with the woman’s vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
After the crash, Hayward was arrested and charged with negligent operation. He is scheduled to appear in court in August.
Authorities say he was responding to an active emergency call at the time of the collision.
Hard To Call
In an emergency, every second can matter. Emergency responders are expected to reach scenes quickly while also navigating traffic, intersections, pedestrians, and unpredictable road conditions.
We’ve all seen fire engines or ambulances trying to work their way through heavy traffic, squeezing between vehicles that have little room to move. Other times, emergency crews are responding through dark, quiet streets late at night where visibility can be limited and drivers may not expect to encounter emergency vehicles.
These situations demand a lot from the people behind the wheel. They must balance the urgency of reaching an emergency with the responsibility of operating safely around other road users.
Investigators allege Hayward failed to stop before entering the intersection. Fortunately, authorities say the woman suffered only minor injuries, and the case will now move through the court system.