Firehouse
  • Subscribe
  • Buyer's Guide
  • In Print
  • Advertise
  • FireFusion
  • Station Design Conference
  • Leadership
  • Apparatus
  • Rescue
  • Safety & Health
  • Ops & Training
  • Careers & Edu
  • Community Risk
  • Tech & Comm
  • Stations
  • EMS
  • Topics
    LeadershipApparatusRescueSafety & HealthOperations & TrainingCareers & EducationCommunity RiskTech & CommStationsEMS
    Resources
    LODDsForumsBuyer's GuideJobsIn PrintShift CalendarRun SurveysValor AwardsSpecial ContentWhitepapersIndustry Experts BlogQuick Chat VideosManufacturer's CornerPodcastsWebcastsFirehouse ExpoStation Design Conference SubmissionsVideosCOVID-1940th AnniversaryHistorical IncidentsProduct Submission FormCompany Submission Form
    User Tools
    SubscribeAdvertiseAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions
    https://www.facebook.com/firehousecom
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/firehouse-magazine
    https://twitter.com/FirehouseNews
    1. Safety & Health

    WI Lawmakers, FFs Talk Penalties for Distracted Driving

    May 19, 2019
    Wisconsin legislators, Department of Transportation officials and Endeavor/Moundville firefighters discussed highway dangers and how to better protect first responders.

    By Brad Allen

    Source WiscNews

    Endeavor/Moundville Fire Department
    Endeavor Moundville Fire Dept Engine (wi)

    ENDEAVOR, WI— Liz Bourdeau says she feels nervous every time her husband, Endeavor/Moundville Fire Chief Mike Bourdeau, responds to an emergency call on a state highway.

    “There’s nothing more dangerous than that,” Liz Bourdeau said of the dangers firefighters face. “This is our home. This is our family.”

    Several state legislators, Department of Transportation officials and various authorities from Marquette and Sauk counties gathered at the Endeavor/Moundville fire station Wednesday night to discuss the issue of highway dangers.

    The group of public safety officials and lawmakers discussed distracted driving and whether tougher penalties are necessary to create incentives for drivers to slow down and reduce the risks for emergency workers.

    “It’s unfortunate that we even have to have this discussion,” said state Rep. Jon Plumer, R-Lodi. “It’s a human life. Slow down. Move over.”

    The dangers and fears of responding to calls on highways are felt every day for the small fire department in a district of about 400 people.

    On Dec. 11, 2015, 34-year veteran firefighter Larry Millard, 56, was struck by a car while responding to an Interstate 39 crash in Marquette County. He died from his injuries, opening a wound that still feels fresh more than three years later.

    “If we strengthen the penalties, maybe people will think twice,” Mike Bourdeau said. “We want to go home to our families after the call is over.”

    Leading lawmakers

    State Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, has taken the lead on drafting legislation in the state Assembly that would aim to train motorists to be more alert on highways by establishing clear, tough penalties.

    Shankland said she’s been branching out and earning endorsements from various groups throughout the state, which could make a bill more likely to pass a bipartisan vote in the Assembly sometime later this year.

    Among the possible increased penalties for striking emergency workers due to distracted driving could be a $10,000 minimum fine or jail time, Shankland said.

    Marquette County District Attorney Chad Hendee said the solution is not always clear cut, but he supports the will of the public.

    Highway dangers

    Lake Delton Fire Chief Darren Jorgenson said he sent out an email to fire chiefs across the state seeking input ahead of Wednesday night’s gathering.

    He said he wasn’t prepared for how many responses he gathered about how many firefighters have either been injured or killed by motorists while responding to highway calls.

    Jorgenson said it makes him feel better to know state legislators are listening to firefighters’ and police officers’ concerns.

    Mike Bourdeau said he tells his firefighters they should think defensively while responding to highway calls and assume cars are trying to hit them.

    He added that fire departments more often respond to highway calls than structure fires.

    Marquette County Sheriff Joe Konrath said he believes tougher laws on distracted driving and injuring emergency workers could help save lives.

    Konrath recalled an incident roughly six years ago when a Blystone’s Towing employee was struck by a car on a highway and suffered injuries that affected him for the remainder of his life.

    Creating incentives

    Shankland said perhaps another method to reducing distracted driving deaths could be to create incentives for people to follow the laws and to make them aware of what those laws are.

    If drivers see a sign warning to slow down or face heavy fines or jail time if they injure someone, they will be more likely to think twice, she said.

    Another solution could be to establish emergency zones with temporary speed limits. A sign labeled 25 mph might catch drivers’ attention immediately and cause them to be more aware of emergency workers on the side of the highway, Shankland said.

    “The key factor here is to educate the public,” Konrath said.

    ———

    ©2019 WiscNews

    Visit WiscNews at www.wiscnews.com

    Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

    Voice Your Opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    Latest in Safety & Health

    Firefighters' union to address Mayor Adams' planned FDNY cuts
    Operations & Training

    FDNY Sounds Alarm on Staffing Cut Proposal

    Firehouse.com News
    Dec. 4, 2023
    Newark Fire Department
    Operations & Training

    11 Lessons Learned: Mayday! OH Firefighter Falls Through Floor

    Alan Ashcraft
    Dec. 4, 2023
    Peter Matthews/Firehouse
    Safety & Health

    A Medical 360 Size-Up for Firefighter Health

    Dr. Denise Smith
    Dec. 4, 2023
    Goulais Fire and Rescue Volunteers/Facebook
    Operations & Training

    Probe Launched after Water Rescue Drill in Canada Goes Awry

    Firehouse.com News
    Dec. 4, 2023
    Funeral held for FDNY chaplain who died from 9/11-related cancer
    Safety & Health

    Funeral Held for FDNY Chaplain Who Cared for 9/11 Victims

    Dec. 3, 2023
    Phenix Technology, Inc.
    Helmets

    Phenix Technology Celebrates the Graduation of its First Work Study Cohort

    Phenix Technology, Inc.
    Dec. 1, 2023
    Firehouse
    https://www.facebook.com/firehousecom
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/firehouse-magazine
    https://twitter.com/FirehouseNews
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo