Deepdean

[emo_snal]

The siren wails, as we cruise through Birregurra's small downtown at a brisk but not reckless speed. From the high cab of the firetruck I see the people seated outside the cafes downtown look up as we go past. I'm seated behind the driver, trying to attach the neck-guard to my yellow helmet. Indeed I'd only just ripped the plastic off all my gear

Comments

[mexpatriot]

That's fucking intense, man!

"I was in the States once, did you know they have intersections with stop signs on all four sides? Who has right of way! No one knows!"

Fucking idiocy! I see it all the time, but I'm in the Third World. I wouldn't expect this nonsense in Australia. But what do I know? Everyone stops at the 4-way intersection! The one who comes to a complete stop first has right of way (can proceed first). But, everyone stops!!!

I am also not so cofortable with these Aussie rules. OK, I can see where some idiot could really fuck things up (e.g., move someone with a spine injury), but it still makes me feel weird.

You know how to get a driving license in Mexico? Ask for one. That's it. No test whatsoever. I've never even seen a cop stop anyone...in 13 years!

You're doing some good work, man! Volunteering is cool!

[emo_snal]

I asked about driving licenses in Guinea in West Africa after seeing a suspiciously young boy on a motorbike. The person I had asked just kind of shrugged and was like, "if you can afford a car or your parents can and trust you to drive it, then you can drive."

And in the rules, usually the States are famous for litigation fear but at least there's "Good samaritan laws" that protect you from liability if you're voluntarily trying to help someone!

[pundigrion]

Thought this was going to be a zombie story at first!

[emo_snal]

Haha fortunately not! But I can't guarantee my new experiences in emergency response won't be integrated into some zombie story in the future! ;D

[skimmed_miilk]

Wow, that's intense. Is it a new road, or are these accidents not a new occurrence? I'm glad that at least the one you were on scene for had no fatalities.

[emo_snal]

No it's not a new road at all! But what I think _is_ new is that traffic along this section has increased a lot lately compared to what it was years ago.