Drivers reminded to be alert

In response to a recent crash involving a fire truck, the Waupaca Fire Department is reminding motorists to “Slow Down and Move Over.”

State law requires drivers to change lanes and slow down when approaching a stationary emergency response vehicle on the roadway.

On Sunday, July 29, two Waupaca firefighters sustained minor injuries when a sports utility vehicle slammed into the back of a fire truck.

The truck was pulling from the eastbound shoulder of U.S. Highway 10 in Farmington with its emergency lights activated when a sports utility vehicle driven by Jeremy Remy, 48, Horicon, collided with it.

Remy was cited for failure to yield for an emergency vehicle and inattentive driving.

Sheriff’s deputies reported that there was no evidence Remy tried to slow down prior to the crash.

Remy suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.

“Every day across America, distracted and uninformed drivers pose a major threat to the safety and wellbeing of first responders who risk their own lives on roads and highways to assist those involved in traffic incidents,” according to an email from the Waupaca Fire Department.

Firefighters remind motorists that they need to be alert for emergency vehicles.