By Casey Neill
Drivers are verbally abusing CFA volunteers at car crash scene road blocks.
Hillcrest Fire Brigade captain Fiona Burns took to Facebook to plead for people to consider her crew members following a collision in Launching Place on Tuesday 12 February.
“We have had to attend a number of car accidents recently in our area which has resulted in traffic diversions and road closures needing to be put in place for the safety of those involved in the incident, other road users and all emergency personnel at the scene,” she said.
“I’m really tired of my members getting abused.”
She said motorists not following directions almost caused further accidents.
“Others have tried to drive around roadblocks, and our members were almost run over by those not paying attention to the traffic conditions,” she said.
“We have seen an increase in this behaviour recently and enough is enough.
“No emergency service personnel should have to put up with this.”
Captain Burns urged drivers to slow down and pay attention.
“We want to go home to our families and our jobs and go about our day just like you,” she said.
She said traffic control was not the brigade’s primary responsibility, and members were not allowed to provide drivers with directions for alternative routes.
“We would also like to thank those members of the public who assist at an incident and do the right thing,” Captain Burns said.
