According to a statement issued by the Irving Professional Fire Fighters Association, each year, hundreds of emergency responders suffer serious injuries or die in the line-of-duty on America's roadways. Too often, these casualties and fatalities are the results of 'secondary incidents,' or collisions that occur while the responders are attending to the original incident.
Fire service personnel responding to a car fire, paramedics attending to accident victims, law endorcement officers assisting a stranded motorist, tow truck operators loading disabled vehicles, and other emergency responders have all been fatally struck by distracted, impaired, or speeding drivers.
"Over the years, a handful of emergency responders in Irving have been struck while working accidents on the roadways. Additionally, several emergency vehicles have been struck while "blocking" traffic while personnel were working. That is why the Irving Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 2073, has been working closely with elected officials at the Texas Capitol to pass Senate Bill 1413 and House Bill 2681."
The new legislation grants fire departments the authority to remove personal property from the roadways or right-of-way, allowing emergency responders to get off the dangerous roads in a more expeditious manner.
Senate Bill 1413 was signed into law by Governor Abbott on May 27, 2023.
"We'd like to thank Senator Nathan Johnson (SD16) and Representative Frederick Frazier (HD61) for carrying the legislation through their respective chamber. As always, when you see emergency crews working: MOVE OVER AND SLOW DOWN!", said the statement.
About the Irving Professional Fire Fighters Association
The IPFFA is proud to be the collective voice for the members of the Irving Fire Department. We are the advocate for providing the highest level of fire protection, rescue and EMS services to the City of Irving while ensuring that adequate working conditions are maintained for our members.