Tragic incident in Starke County reminds public to watch for emergency vehicles

NORTH JUDSON, Ind - Even though we do not know the exact cause of the crash, this tragic incident is raising questions of what to do when you are near an emergency vehicle.

ABC57 spoke to North Judson Police Department who urges everyone to be careful when they hear sirens or see flashing lights.

That crash claimed the life of Starke County paramedic Michael Wilcox and left another paramedic --Brandy Salita critically injured.

Now officials are reminding everyone about the dangers first responders face and the legal responsibility everyone has to being safe on the roads.

As of July 1, 2023, Indiana's move over law was expanded to include protection for vehicles with flashing lights as well as all emergency vehicles.

The law requires all motorists to either move over or reduce their speed when approaching emergency vehicles.

North Judson resident Randy Bishop says he is always cautious when he sees flashing lights.

"I put my four ways on and pull over and let them do what they need to do, you need to be firm and stand still and be still cause you do not know what's going on, you're in high risk of hurting someone , another person, an officer , ambulance driver, whatever the case may be , your best bet is to pull over and wait and see what you can do,” said Bishop.