Every year we in the emergency service world face a set of dangers different from the people we are sworn to protect. A recent article in the Asbury Park Press started the flow of creative juices within my brain. An individual charged with leading a local accident prevention group created an excellent article warning people of the dangers they all will face in the weeks which lie just ahead.

This kind person wrote of a number of dangers that people will face with regard to alcohol-impaired drivers. This fine person gave some great advice on choosing a designated driver, calling a cab if you are too drunk to drive, and reporting impaired drivers to the police. She also noted that it was critical wear seatbelts just in case. Now there is a position with which Billy G. and I can agree wholeheartedly.

Her educational effort was slanted toward the people who might choose to drive and imbibe during the weeks ahead. This is great advice. However as I read her words, I could not help but think that if she was worried about people drinking and driving then perhaps so should we here in the Respondersafety.com family.

Only we need to go even further my friends, because our readers cannot control the actions of others. We operate in an environment populated by people who under the best of circumstances are rushing from point A to point B while eating, drinking, reading newspapers, shaving, and watching DVD movies. Add a little booze and standby for a real ram.

My friends, as you and I approach the coming Holiday Season, perhaps a few words of warning are in order for those of us who are called upon to respond to emergencies on the highways and byways of our nation. You and I cannot drink and be able to perform our duties safely, so the issue of drinking and driving for us should be rather obvious; or is it.

There are those who think that just because we are engaged in a dangerous, community-service function that we are exempt from the laws which govern the rest of society. You may be familiar with these laws; the laws of statistics and probability, the laws of physics, and most of all Murphy's Laws.

As sure as my fingers are pounding the keyboard right now, I am that sure there will be cases of emergency service workers drinking on the job. My advice to you on this matter is really quite simple. Do not be a dumb-ass. The fact that you are performing a necessary and sometimes dangerous service does not exempt you from any of the same laws which govern polite society,

Of course the fact that you are smart enough to do your job in a sober and responsible manner will only take you so far down the road to safety. I have something critical for you to remember as you operate on the highway at a car fire, or a motor vehicle accident, or at a traffic stop. The people in the passing vehicles may not be as smart as you.

We have policies, procedures, and protective equipment. They have their cell phones, cosmetics, newspapers, rolls, and coffee. We have to pay attention to what we are doing. They should, but most do not. It only gets worse at this time of the year when people are scurrying thither and yon in pursuit of their holiday party plans.

As we head into the busy time ahead please remember that what we do has no real importance to the passing parade of people on the highways. Oh, we are well aware that what we do is important to society and the folks we might be helping at any given time. Sadly, to the rest of the world, we are just a setback, roadblock or a speed bump on their way over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house. We are a pain in their collective rear ends.

Having said all of this I want to urge you to be ready. Please be sure to review your highway operations policies. Check your protective safety gear. Make sure your protective vests are bright and that your flashlights have fresh batteries. Above all pay attention to what you are doing at all times. Let me assure you that it only takes a second to find yourself on the road to eternity.

While you are at it, try to make it to one of our upcoming training sessions. The next offering is in Orlando, Florida on January 19, 2008. Please stop by and say hello. On behalf of the entire gang here at Respondersafety.com, please accept our best wishes for a very safe and Merry Christmas.