Sunday, July 4, 2010 On July 4, at approximately 0140, I was responding to a report of a wildland call when the apparatus I was driving was struck in the rear quarter panel by a drunk driver who crossed the center line of the county road I was driving on. I was running red lights at the time, but was within the speed limit. I crested a hill and saw him coming towards me up the hill. I tried to move onto the shoulder, but was unable to steer my 1950s army style 6x6 far enough to the right in time. The other vehicle, a Ford pickup truck, struck my left rear fender. I assume he must have torn his mirror off, though no damage could be seen on my vehicle (they\'re pretty well worn already). Both I and my rider heard the crunch of impact. The other vehicle slowed, but continued to drive off. My chief, in his PV, was able to follow the vehicle to the residence and wait there until sheriffs deputies arrived. As of this time I have not been contacted by police. No fire was discovered at the location we were sent to, and as I had to work today at 0530, I went home when we were released to get some sleep.

LESSONS LEARNED: I feel I did all I could do to avoid this, but the crucial lesson here is to maintain alertness no matter the time of day or night. Especially on crowded holiday weekends.