Fire-fighters named ‘Crash-fighters’
By Holly North and Kajal Sokhal
Fire-fighters deal with accidents to do with cars more than fires.
Over the last five years fire-fighters were rescuing more people from car crashes. For every one fire there are twenty-five vehicle accidents.
Urging people to slow down, belt up and switch off, they have joined forces with safety charity Brake and Kirklees Council to spread the safety message and are hosting a number of events across Kirklees during Road Safety Week. They are so keen to stress the importance of safe and sensible motoring.
A few weeks ago they had the unusual task of retrieving a taxi that had been driven into Huddersfield Broad Canal at Aspley.
It’s a sad fact that far too many deaths and injuries could be prevented, which is why they are urging motorists to drive to the speed limit and road conditions, wear a seatbelt and avoid any distractions such as mobile telephones.
Mobile phones have been a big distraction over the past few years as more people are being injured or killed due to mobile phones causing car accidents.
It is said that ¼ of all car accidents are caused by mobile phones. Fire-fighters are now trying to warn people of the consequences of either drink driving, using your mobile phone while driving or getting distracted by other people in the vehicle.
Every school year, fire-fighters and teachers do their part in educating children about the dangers of fire and what to do if ever there’s a fire in their home.
Over the last 10 years or so fire-fighters jobs have become harder and bigger. Now fire-fighters have to rescue people from all sorts of situations such as people falling into lakes and people in serious car accidents. The staff at fire stations are now under more pressure to work hard and are now having to deal with more deaths and casualties.
In conclusion, fire-fighters are trying to send the message; do not use types of distracting technology when driving, do not drive after drinking over the limit and always stick to the speed limits whilst driving. Our fire-fighters need to fight fires not rescue people from situations that could be avoided through common sense.
