If you see a car accident, don’t just drive by it. Find some way to help, such as calling 911 or stopping and helping.
That’s the advice of a fire and rescue group in B.C.’s Interior, which is trying to raise awareness on the issue following an incident this past weekend.
On its Facebook page, Midway B.C. Fire/Rescue said two people were trapped in an overturned truck on a rural road east of Highway 33, and that two vehicles drove by in the cold weather without stopping.
In publishing the post regarding the Saturday rollover on Christian Valley Road, Midway Fire/Rescue said the goal isn’t to shame people, but to think of ways to help.
“As it turned out, two volunteer firefighters from Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department happened to be in the area and were able to help,” said the Facebook post.
“They had to use an axe to cut out the windshield and were able to assist the two occupants out of the vehicle. Without their assistance, they would not have been able to exit the vehicle on their own.”
Midway Fire/Rescue said additional people showed up and helped place the vehicle back on its wheels, and also remove it from the road so it wasn’t interfering with vehicles travelling around the corner.
The two occupants were said to be uninjured.
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“As firefighters and other emergency responders it is in our nature to stop and try to assist when we see a problem,” said the Facebook post.
“I understand that many people may hesitate and could be unsure of what to do when they come upon an accident, it may not be something they are ready to deal with because they don’t have the training.
“I hope that the people that did drive by tried calling 911 to have the responders come and check it out.”
The post ended by saying the sooner emergency crews are advised of an incident, the sooner they can be there to help.
However, should one decide to help, fire departments urge only to do so if it’s safe to stop.
“While driving, if you see a vehicle off the road in the ditch, please slow down — if safe to do so — to get a visual of the vehicle,” said Vernon Fire Rescue deputy chief Alan Hofsink.
“Look for identifiers such as yellow flagging tape or pylons, as these things would indicate that first responders have already been on site.”
Hofsink continued, saying if you see yellow flagging tape on or around the vehicle, don’t call 911, as you can send emergency crews to the scene unnecessarily.
“However, if you don’t see any identifiers,” said Hofsink, “and if you are comfortable to do so, try to pull over in a safe location (for both yourself and other motorists on the road) so you can proceed to attempt to look at and or in the vehicle for any occupants.
“If there are any, call 911 from a safe location.”
The Penticton Fire Department echoed those comments.
“The No. 1 concern for people who witness or come across somebody’s life being in danger is to make sure they are safe before they check on those in the accident,” said the fire department.
“Make sure the stopped location is safe, that it’s best suited to make a phone call, where you’re off the road and call in.”
The fire department added, “ensuring their own safety is the key message.”
It also said travellers should ensure they carry essentials during winter travel, such as a first aid kit, blankets, food and water, “so that if they go off the road or want to help someone, they at least have something that can assist them in that process.”
Information about B.C.’s Good Samaritan Act can be found online, including here and here.
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