MVI Callbacks

Repeat calls on the same car crash become a concern

May 25, 2022 | 4:00 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Each year local volunteer emergency responders attend several motor vehicle accidents.

A single accident can sometimes be reported to 911 by a concerned citizen more than once.

Repeated calls on one crash can spread volunteer resources thin.

Beaverly Fire Chief Bruce Perrin has responded to several motor vehicle crashes during his career, and he says what baffles him and his crew are the number of false alarm call-outs to a collision they have already cleared and marked with a yellow ribbon.

He says some see a car in the ditch, and the natural reaction is of concern, often leading to a 911 call.

But Perrin asks to check to see if the vehicle is wrapped in ribbon before making the call.

Getting called out and arriving to find the vehicle already checked and cleared, not just once or twice, but several times becomes frustrating. But according to Perrin, Not responding is not an option.

About a quarter of Beaverly Volunteer Fire Department’s motor vehicle accidents they respond to are repeat calls.

Many crashed vehicles are known to be left in the ditch for several weeks.