Traffic Control Unit Struck by Passing Motorist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thorndale Fire Company is reminding motorists to slow down, remain alert, and move over when approaching emergency incidents. Last evening, 11/8/2026, while assisting Pennsylvania State Police with an earlier incident in the eastbound lanes of Route 30 Bypass, Traffic 38 was struck by a motorist while providing early warning for the incident scene.

Despite the presence of emergency warning lights and traffic control measures, the vehicle was struck by a passing vehicle. Fortunately, there were no injuries to emergency personnel. The incident serves as another reminder of the dangers emergency responders face while working along roadways. Far too often while operating on emergency scenes particularly along Route 30, motorists are found traveling past more than 60 miles per hour, which puts all emergency responders at risk.

The department reminds all motorists to:
• Slow down when approaching an emergency scene.
• Move over to an adjacent lane when it is safe to do so.
• Follow directions from emergency personnel and traffic control devices.
• Remain alert and avoid distractions while driving.
• Be prepared to stop when approaching emergency vehicles or personnel working along the roadway.

Pennsylvania's Move Over Law requires motorists approaching an emergency response area to move over into an available lane not adjacent to the emergency response area, or, if unable to move over safely, slow down to a careful and prudent speed.
Our firefighters and emergency responders deserve to go home safely at the end of every call. Please slow down, move over, and give emergency personnel the space they need to do their jobs.

Patrick Taylor

Fire Chief, Thorndale Fire Company