ROCKERVILLE, S.D. – The Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department is reminding motorists to slow down and use caution around emergency scenes after responding to four crashes along Highway 16 in just a matter of days.
According to the department, the crashes occurred between Saturday and Tuesday night near mile marker 60, in the large curve between the Croell pit and the Candy Store. The incidents happened at various times throughout the day, including morning, early evening, and late evening hours.
Firefighters say that while many drivers reduce their speed when approaching crash scenes, some continue through active emergency areas at highway speeds despite the presence of first responders, emergency vehicles, and traffic control devices.
The department emphasized that slowing down adds only a few seconds to a trip. Officials noted it takes about six seconds to travel 200 yards at 65 miles per hour, compared to roughly 14 seconds at 30 miles per hour.
Firefighters are urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and move over whenever possible when approaching emergency scenes. Officials say those extra seconds can help protect first responders working near traffic and reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes.
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