The tragedy popped up everywhere. Local news, fire department sites and Facebook all told the sad tale of Megan Lange, a 26 year-old mother of two, struck on her way home from swing shift as a Phoenix Fire Department dispatcher. She was hit by a wrong-way driver on the interstate heading home to her family. Rushed to the hospital, Megan clung to life for 15 hours before being taken off life-support surrounded by her family. She left behind her husband, two sons: 2 years-old and 6 months-old and a massive amount of people she had touched through her life and her work.
As I read Megan’s story, from the very first report, through the Facebook posts of my former colleagues at Phoenix Police Communications, I couldn’t help but remember when we lost one of our own. Over a decade ago, our dispatch room and 9-1-1 area was shrouded in silence as we learned the news that Roxie, our friend and colleague had been killed on her way home from work. I cried when I heard and I cried even harder when her husband came to the center to distribute the items we had purchased from her prior to her death. Every time I looked at the night gown I had selected out of the catalogue she had shown me one day while we were both working 9-1-1 calls side by side, I thought of her. In the beginning, I was just overwhelmed with sadness but eventually I viewed that article of clothing with fondness. It reminded me of what a special person she was and that my life was richer for having known her. I have no doubt that the dispatchers at Phoenix Fire are now going through a similar time. Although neither Roxie nor Megan could control the circumstances that lead to their death, this allows us to think about what we can do to be a little safer on the road. After all, many of us leave the office at odd hours of the night and early morning. It’s never a waste of time to think about a few ways to be a defensive driver.
Stay Focused
One of the hardest things to do when you spent the last 10 hours hyper-focused on your job is to continue paying attention once you leave. There were many days where I just felt my mind turn off once I walked out of the doors of dispatch. All of my energy and ability to hear and react was used up. If it had been a particularly busy night or one with a call or officer event with tragic consequences I was even below empty. I would get into my car, turn on the radio and zone out. The car was familiar. The route was familiar. There were times when I would arrive home and realize that I had no memory between work and my driveway. During that time, I was completely checked out. On any number of occasions that could have gotten me killed. It is important to not turn off your focus until you are safely home. Take in your surroundings and be in the moment as you drive. Notice what is going on around you. Once you get home, feel free to completely veg out. You deserve it.
Listen
Five years ago when I bought my 85 Trans Am it didn’t come with a stereo. I figured I would research a good one and put it in myself. Time went by and then more time and soon a whole year was gone and I still had a gaping hole where the stereo should have been. The interesting thing about that year is I felt I had been a better driver. I could hear things that were happening around me-a car horn, tires squealing, a siren. Not having my radio on full blast allowed me to truly be present. My situational awareness had never been higher. I heard the lady who didn’t see the red light and locked up her brakes trying to avoid racing into the intersection and t-boning me long before I saw her. That sound allowed me to gun my back end out of her way as she passed just inches away from me. Listening to the radio can have its benefits like helping keep you awake after a long shift, but recreating an 80s Metallica concert in your car is not the safest way to drive.
Stay Alert
Speaking of staying awake, this can be one of the biggest challenges especially when you work nights and have a hard time sleeping during the day. Research has found that being drowsy has many of the same effects on your ability to drive as drinking. Reaction times are slower. Cognition is decreased. Falling asleep could have tragic consequences. Do whatever you can to mitigate your sleepiness. Take a brisk walk before you get into your car to drive home. Crack the window and let the fresh air in. Pull over if you find you are just too tired. It’s better for your loved one to get a call from you to come pick you up than to get a visit from the police department.
Have an Escape Route
So you’re focused, aware and alert. You keep a good cushion all around your car. You scan ahead to recognize any dangers before you come upon them. One last thing that you can do is always have an escape route. Look around and notice what other cars are around you. If you needed to, where could you go to get away? Is there space to pull over to your left or right or are there barriers or a large ditch? Always thinking ahead about what you would do is essential to being a good defensive driver.
Although these skills can’t guarantee tragedy will never strike you, they can help mitigate the chances. My heart goes out to Megan’s family, friends and co-workers. I hope in time you will find peace.