Saturday December, 28 2024

Nature: MVC – Frankford Traffic Control Unit Struck at Emergency Incident

Location: 30240 Dupont Blvd Millsboro, DE 19966

On Saturday, December 28^th, the Dagsboro (73), Frankford (76), and Millsboro (83) fire companies were operating at a previously dispatched structure fire incident on DuPont Blvd when a traffic control unit from the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company was struck from behind.

The traffic control unit was assigned to close a segment of DuPont Blvd to ensure staging areas for emergency response apparatus and designated water supply operations.  The traffic control was positioned to block the roadway.

It appears that a maroon Ford Expedition attempted to navigate around the stationary traffic control unit which had emergency lights and roadway arrow board activated for public safety measures.

The Delaware State Fire Police continued with the traffic control assignments for the duration of both incidents.

The Delaware State Police are investigating. 

As you may recall, the Delaware Legislature enacted amended legislation this past legislative session to Raise Awareness and Increase Safety of Roadside Workers to prevent incidents such as this.  Under House Bill 329 (as amended), motorists who do not yield the right-of-way to police, fire, and ambulance vehicles responding to an emergency or who fail to move over or slow down when approaching first responders, utility crews, highway workers, and tow truck operators working roadside will face increased penalties for their life-threatening carelessness.

The bill makes two notable changes to Delaware's existing "Move Over" law.

Additional information about the legislative initiative may be viewed at https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/51294?ss=1