Karen Oetting
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I am concerned about what I have seen lately in Jefferson City. Today, I was driving on Highway 50 heading west through town. A fire truck with sirens and flashing lights came down Broadway Street heading south and went through the intersection of Highway 50 and Broadway.
Two things happened: Cars in front of me continued through the intersection despite the emergency vehicle approaching. I have seen that happening quite often lately, and I don't know why. What also specifically bothered me today was a vehicle directly behind me honked several times at me while I was stopped to allow the fire truck to pass through the intersection without interference. Then, when the light was green and I continued west, the woman in the vehicle passed me, pausing while she was beside me shaking her head and generally looking irritated at me. Was she thinking I was ignorant? I don't think I did anything wrong, and I don't know why she was upset with me. Or did stopping for the fire truck ruin her day?
I am aware that it is the law to stop for fire trucks, police, ambulances and other emergency vehicles to allow them to pass or cross intersections when they are running their sirens and flashing lights. Someone's life may be in danger, and they are responding as quickly and safely as they can. How can we make the uneducated people learn?