What is a common reason EMTs are struck by motor vehicles at collision scenes?

EMTs are often at high risk of being struck by motor vehicles at collision scenes primarily because drivers are distracted by the scene of the collision. When approaching an incident, drivers may focus more on the emergency situation, trying to observe what is happening rather than paying attention to the roadway and their driving. This distraction can lead to a decreased awareness of pedestrians and emergency responders working close to the vehicles, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents occurring in those environments.

While it is true that other factors could contribute to the risk, such as EMTs inadvertently moving into traffic without awareness or aggressive driver behavior, the primary and most common reason remains the distraction caused by the chaotic nature of the scene. Therefore, understanding the impact of driver distraction is crucial for implementing effective safety measures that protect both EMTs and motorists during such critical responses.