As many in the Newark community call for speed bumps on Main Street to increase safety, especially pedestrians, there is some push back.
The recent fatal crash that killed a University of Delaware student on Main Street, - one of several incidents that either seriously hurt or killed someone - has prompted calls to make it safer.
Some suggest putting speed bumps on the road that goes through the city to UD to slow traffic and prevent serious crashes.
But the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company recently sent a statement to the City of Newark and state officials saying speed bumps could hurt their performance.
Dan Seador is the president of the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company.
"To put speed bumps on there is going to really impair our ability to make timely responses to critical incidents, and what may start as a something to provide better safety may actually hinder it in the long run, where it's taking us minutes longer to get to a person in need, whether it's a medical incident or a traumatic incident or a structure fire," said Seador.
Seador notes in some cases – mainly fires – seconds count.
He points out other potential problems.
“We have very heavy trucks. Our ambulances are heavy,” said Seador. “Having to cross a series of speed bumps like that literally multiple times a day, is going to increase the frequency of repairs or damage to our vehicles, and it's going to increase our maintenance costs."
Seador adds speed bumps would also restrict the length of time the vehicles the fire company uses would be in service.
The fire company encourages city and state officials to consider safety improvements for pedestrians without compromising emergency response capabilities.
