Episode 210: Episode 7-11 – The Responder Safety Institute & HASS Alert – “Distracted Driving”

We see it almost every day and sometimes, we are as much to blame as anyone else. We’re talking about distracted driving and the very real, very dangerous and fatal toll that it causes. From long conversations on your cell phone to watching videos, sports, etc., each contributes to a distracted driver. This driver may not even notice our flashing lights and multiple emergency vehicles and winds up plowing through the scene, injuring or killing anyone unable to get out of his/her way. 

My guests today are deeply involved in the effort to reduce these incursions and, educate both first responders and the public, that distracted driving is indeed dangerous for all; the driver, anyone in that vehicle, as well as any first responder that cannot get out of the way fast enough. Jack Sullivan and Todd Leiss are lead educators for the Responder Safety Institute (www.respondersafety.com). Brock Aun is with HAAS Alert, (www.haasalert.com) a company that, along with others, is pioneering new technology that, using cellular services, will provide drivers with advance warning of a traffic incident ahead, giving them the necessary time to slow down and move over. 

Every state in America has a “Move Over Law and has signage on major roadways that advise drivers to safely slow their vehicle and move over to allow room for the first responders on the scene. Sadly, many drivers who have encroached on an emergency scene will often say, “I didn’t see a sign,” or “I didn’t know that!” Yet, it is the responsibility of anyone with a driver’s license to know all the “Rules of the Road.” Too often, these drivers seriously injure and/or kill, first responders who are on-scene, to help someone else. And that just might land you with hefty fines and even jail time! 

Take a listen – you just might learn something. 

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCoorp.org or on your favorite podcast platform!