On December 28, 2009, heavy snow fell over the Salt Lake Valley, making roads icy and especially dangerous. KSL reports that an astounding 208 automobile accidents resulted from the inclement weather and worsening driving conditions on that Tuesday alone on Utah roads. The Utah Highway Patrol confirmed that more than forty people were injured and that one woman was killed.

A twenty three year old woman had pulled her car to the side of the Interstate 80 in order to help the victims of a rollover accident. Utah Highway Patrol Sergeant Robert Breck, who responded to the scene, stated, "As one of the people stopped to help got out of her vehicle, another vehicle slid into the back of her vehicle, crushing her between his truck and her car." Tragically, in her courageous attempt to help another family, she was killed in a car accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family.

While it is still important to assist someone in need, there are safety precautions to take when responding to an accident or an emergency that will help to keep you safe. Following are a few emergency scene specific safety guidelines:

• Enter the scene uphill/upward. This means that if you come across a motor vehicle accident, it is safer drive ahead of the accident and then pull over. This gives you an opportunity to scan the scene and look for hazardous material and any additional dangers.

• Remain in the car. Stay in your vehicle until you are sure you are in a safe place. Check lanes of traffic. Assess the situation or accident from a distance before exiting your vehicle. Remember to turn on your emergency breaks to alert other drivers to slow down and even to help you.

• Call 911. Calling the proper emergency authorities will ensure that medical help is on the way and the operator can give you immediate directions on what to do in your specific set of circumstances.

• Remain Calm and Follow Directions. The 911 operator will assist you in how to approach the victims and accident scene. These emergency personnel have training in life saving techniques and can guide you through them if you are in a position to administer them to victims of an accident.

• Wait for Law Enforcement. If you feel uncomfortable entering the scene, remain on the phone with the emergency personnel and remain where you have safely parked your vehicle. This way you can report if the situation changes.