Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
In 2024, the Three Forks Fire Department responded to 76 calls for Rescue/EMS, with a majority of those calls on Interstate 90.
Three Forks Fire Department Photo.
Interstate accidents present unique challenges for our emergency responders. Vehicles traveling at high speeds, distracted drivers, and poor visibility can turn an already dangerous situation into an even worse one. Responders often have to work quickly in extricating patients or providing care, with the constant risk of secondary accidents caused by traffic. We set up cones, traffic signs, and use emergency vehicle flashing lights to help create a buffer zone and guide traffic through our emergency scene. The pressure to assist accident victims while keeping our personnel safe is always a balance, making responses on the interstate one of the most dangerous aspects of our job.
Our department adheres to Traffic Incident Management safety guidelines to protect both our firefighters and the public. TIMS includes coordinated efforts such as deploying advanced warning signs, strategically positioning emergency vehicles to shield personnel, and using high-visibility gear. These measures are designed to minimize risk while we provide care. By working closely with law enforcement, ambulance service, and towing agencies, we aim to maintain a controlled and safe scene during emergencies.
In October 2023, enhanced "Move Over" legislation went into effect, requiring drivers to slow down and, when possible, change lanes to provide a safer distance from emergency vehicles and responders. These laws when properly followed allow us to do our job safely.
However, compliance is not universal. Some drivers still fail to adhere to the law, often due to distractions, a lack of awareness, or they just don't care because they may experience a delay. We continue to advocate for public education and stricter enforcement to improve adherence. While the legislation has helped with awareness, it does not address the increased traffic challenges we face on the interstate as our County continues to grow.
If you encounter an emergency scene on the interstate, here's what you should do to ensure everyone's safety:
1. Slow Down: Reduce your speed immediately when you see emergency lights or warning signs. Don't be in a hurry! (Slow down to 20 below on the interstate or half the posted speed limit if you cannot move over.)
2. Move Over: If it's safe, change lanes to create distance from the emergency scene. (Reduce speed to half of the posted limit if you cannot move over)
3. Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as your phone or in-car systems. Pay close attention to the road and any instructions from responders.
4. Follow Instructions: Obey any signs or signals from emergency personnel directing traffic.
5. Avoid Rubbernecking: While it's natural to be curious, slowing down to observe the scene or take pictures can cause traffic backups and increase your risk of an accident.
According to Move Over Montana, the new legislation allows maximum fines of up to $10,000 or 1 year in prison for disobeying this law. Each one of our firefighter's lives are worth so much more than that. So we appreciate the community's help by slowing down and moving over for our emergency personnel. And while we understand delays can be difficult, your safety and the safety of our emergency responders is our number one priority.
