After a fatal collision closed the Parks Highway on Tuesday evening, the Talkeetna Fire Department shared a list of tips on social media for drivers and passengers who find themselves stuck in a long delay.
Most of the advice centers on traffic etiquette that the fire department says will help rescue personnel deal with the situation more smoothly. That includes keeping civilian vehicles at least 200 feet back from the scene of a crash, pulling off to the side to keep lanes clear, and avoiding driving in ditches and debris fields.
The post from the fire department says estimates of the length of a delay are just that, estimates. Depending on circumstances, the road closure could be shorter or longer than initially anticipated.
Once the road opens, the fire department says drivers should be patient, as it could take awhile for traffic to start moving at highway speeds again. It also advises motorists not to film the scene of the accident while driving in order to protect the privacy of those involved and reduce the risk of an additional collision. Talkeetna Fire Department says passengers filming fire trucks, or a helicopter taking off from a safe distance, is okay, but that motorists should avoid filming an ambulance if anyone is nearby.
The post ends with a pitch for recruits, as Talkeetna Fire Department is looking to expand its ranks of first responders.
