Contact:  W. Keith Simon, VP, PR, 1.800.259.3333; ksimon@acadian.com , 337.291.1584 office,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, December 13, 2005

For whatever the reason, the influx of residents after Katrina and Rita or the holiday season, traffic seems more congested and for longer peak periods than usual.  When traffic is more congested, there is a greater margin for traffic accidents. While we cannot control the congestion, we can control its affects on us.  Therefore, Acadian Ambulance Service recommends that all drivers know how to yield to emergency vehicles, carry a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use it. Acadian also recommends reading a book about first aid or sign up for a first aid course. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Emergency Vehicles

“It happens to all of us,” explains Jerry Romero, Acadian Ambulance VP of Operations.   “You're driving down the road and you hear a siren. You don't know where it is coming from.  What should you do?  Remember the next four words-- Pull to the Right ! If you see or hear an ambulance, police car, fire truck, or EMS vehicle while driving, pull to the right, parallel to the road and remain clear of any intersection until the vehicle passes, or you are otherwise directed by law enforcement.”  Use caution when reentering traffic.  Most severe accidents involving rescue vehicles occur at intersections.  In most states, pulling to the right is the law. 

According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), LRS 32:125 is the law that instructs motorists to yield to emergency vehicles.  The other part of that law is relatively new. Motorists are now required to slow down to 25 mph or the posted speed limit, whichever is slower, when they see an emergency vehicle parked on or near the highway with any visual signals activated.  If on a multiple lane highway (Interstate, etc), drivers must move safely to the lane farthest from the emergency vehicle and slow down to 25 mph.

“With the increase in traffic, I think this part of the law is very important,” says TFC Jeff Covington, Public Information Officer, State Police Troop E. “An emergency scene of any type can sometimes be a little chaotic, especially on a busy highway. If more people are aware of this law, perhaps we can make situations safer for emergency personnel, as well as motorists,” he says.

Vehicle Collisions

Should you find yourself involved in a vehicle collision, remain calm. Every driver involved in a collision must stay at the scene or return to it immediately and give all possible assistance. If you are not personally involved in a collision, you should stop to offer help if police or other help has not arrived.

In a collision with injuries, possible fuel leaks or serious vehicle damage, stay calm and follow these steps from Acadian Ambulance and the LSP:

1. Call for help or have someone else call. By law, you must report any collision to the police when there are injuries.
2. Turn off all engines and turn on emergency flashers. Set up warning signals or flares or have someone warn approaching drivers.
3. Do not let anyone smoke, light a match or put flares near any vehicle in case of a fuel leak. If any of the vehicles is on fire, get the people out and make sure everyone is well out of the way. If there is no danger of fire or explosion, leave injured people where they are until trained medical help arrives.
4. If you are trained in first aid, treat injuries in the order of urgency, within the level of your training. For example, clear the person's airway to restore breathing, give rescue breathing or stop bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth.
5. If you are not trained in first aid, use common sense. For example, people in collisions often go into shock. Cover the person with a jacket or blanket to reduce the effects of shock.
6. Stay with injured people until help arrives.
7. Disabled vehicles on the road may be a danger to you and other drivers. Do what you can to make sure everyone involved in a collision is kept safe.

Seatbelts save lives

Currently Troop E, which consists of 10 parishes, has worked 63 fatal crashes resulting in 66 deaths. In 67 percent of the fatal crashes the occupants were not wearing seatbelts (excluding motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities). “The bottom line is, motorists need to realize seatbelts save lives,” Officer Covington explains.  “Airbags alone are not enough. They are a supplemental restraint system designed to go along with a seatbelt.   An airbag will not keep you in your vehicle in the event of a roll-over type crash. Whether the motorists is running up the road to the store or traveling for the holidays, it's important to take a few seconds and buckle up.”

All drivers know the significant drive times when the roads will be their most congested.  If you must be on the road at these times, try and give yourself some extra leeway by leaving at least ten minutes early so you won't be in a rush. If you find yourself stuck in the congestion, acknowledge that you may be in the car for a few extra minutes and make the most of it. Breathe deeply and put on your favorite music or a talk radio station.  If at all possible, avoid the peak driving times, and take the less traveled route to your destinations. 

Be prepared

Emergencies strike unannounced, so be prepared and carry an emergency kit in your car.  They also make a great gift. They're commercially available, or you can easily put together your own.

You may also want to program the Louisiana State Police in your cell phone, *LSP (*577). This is a free call on any cell phone in the state of Louisiana. It is designed for motorists to call the nearest State Police Troop and report a vehicle crash, highway hazard, aggressive driver, stranded motorists, etc. Motorist's can also check the LSP web site www.LSP.org for up-to-date road closure information for holiday travels.

Go to www.acadian.com and click on the “Tips for Life” tab on the left for more information on basic first aid and what to do until the ambulance arrives.  You can also click on the “Community” tab for information on CPR classes.

Never drink & drive

During this holiday season, life's celebrations often involve alcohol, and can end in tragedy when mixed with driving.   Drunk drivers each year kill more than 25,000 people.  You can enjoy special celebrations by designating a driver, wearing your seat belt, following traffic laws, and never letting a friend drive while intoxicated. 

Defensive driving provides one of the best protections against impaired drivers.  For example, allowing considerable distance between cars; yielding the right-of-way to drivers, and driving at slightly lower-than-average speeds are great ways to avoid a collision with someone who has over-imbibed.

“Safe driving benefits everyone,” Romero says.  “Keep the holidays happy by watching for impaired drivers, reporting any trouble and proceeding with care.”

-end-

Suggestions for a roadside kit and a first aid kit for your vehicle:

ROADSIDE KIT

• Cell phone, CB radio, RoadStar check
• Global positioning system (GPS) navigating device
• Spare tire (inflated!)
• Jack and lug wrench
• Jumper cables
• 1 gallon (about 4 liters) of water for radiator, drinking or squirters
• First aid kit (see below)
• Rechargeable NiCad flashlight with car recharger
• Mini fire extinguisher
• Screwdrivers (one Phillips, one flathead)
• Adjustable wrench
• Utility knife
• Flares/hazard signs
• Transmission/clutch fluid
• Can of oil
• Brake fluid
• Empty gas can
• Rain coat and/or umbrella
• Spare fuses
• Rags and/or paper towels
• Waterproof hose tape

FIRST AID KIT

• Pain relievers
• Medium-size adhesive strip bandages
• Small roll of sterile gauze
• Bandage tape
• Alcohol (isopropyl) or antimicrobial wipes
• Saline or eye wash solution (to wash out eyes or wounds)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Quick-reference first aid card or book
• Scissors
• Antihistamines (to relieve itch and possibly limit severe allergic reactions)
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Plastic baggies
• Tissue pack