Knowledge Builders

what do you do if you see an emergency vehicle on the road

by Elise Gerhold Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.
  • Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch for others. There may be several other emergency vehicles.
  • Keep a foot on the brake so the brake lights let emergency vehicle drivers know you have stopped.
  • Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren. Never race after an emergency vehicle to get through a traffic light.
  • Never pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights unless directed to do so by a police officer or emergency personnel.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching: Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop. Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch for others.

Full Answer

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches your vehicle?

If your vehicle is stationary amid traffic on a multi-lane road and unable to move over the shoulder, try to move as far as you can. An emergency vehicle such as a fire truck or ambulance needs space (at least a 3-meter gap) to pass through. Stop your car until the emergency vehicle passes through you.

How far behind an emergency vehicle should you be?

Stay approximately 300-500 feet behind an emergency vehicle; don’t follow after one. Use your hazard lights while pulled to the side of the road to alert other drivers. Check for any additional emergency vehicles approaching before pulling back onto the road.

What should you do if your vehicle is stationary amid traffic?

If your vehicle is stationary amid traffic on a multi-lane road and unable to move over the shoulder, try to move as far as you can. An emergency vehicle such as a fire truck or ambulance needs space (at least a 3-meter gap) to pass through.

What should you do if an emergency vehicle is flashing lights?

A stopped emergency vehicle usually continues flashing lights and is at the scene of an accident. Slow down and move over a lane if space is available. Some states require drivers to slow down to up to 20 mph below the speed limit. In general, reduce your speed enough for safe pulling over.

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What do you do when you see an emergency vehicle that has its emergency lights flashing is stopped on or next to a road that has two lanes in the same direction?

If you are not able to safely move a lane away, slow down.If you are not able to safely move a lane away, slow down.When you see an emergency vehicle with its lights and siren activated behind you, move to the nearest side of the road and stop. ... Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has completely passed.More items...

Where should you stop when you hear or see an emergency vehicle traveling towards you from any direction the left edge of the lane?

Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction. If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. If the light is red, stay where you are.

What should you do when you spot an emergency vehicle with its light on and sounding a siren?

When you see an emergency vehicle approaching your car from any direction with red and blue lights flashing and the bell or siren sounding, you have to bring your vehicle to a stop immediately. While doing so, you are also required to bring your car as close to the edge of the roadway or right-hand curb as possible.

When you see an emergency vehicle parked stopped or standing with its emergency or hazard lights activated on a highway or parkway you should?

Explanation If you approach an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or roadside assistance vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing, you must change lanes to allow the vehicle extra space.

What must drivers do if they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with lights flashing and/or sirens on?

Emergency Vehicles You must yield the right-of-way to any police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) have passed. However, never stop in an intersection.

What should you do when you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching quizlet?

When you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching your vehicle from any direction, including on your side of an expressway or limited access highway, safely pull over immediately to the right edge of the road and stop. Wait until the emergency vehicle passes before driving on.

What do you do if you see an emergency vehicle on the road for kids?

Do not step on to the road if you see or hear any emergency vehicle i.e., police vans, fire brigade, ambulance etc. Never get on or off a bus unless it is standing at a bus stop. Signal the bus to stop and do not board the bus until it has come to a complete standstill.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching you must?

If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind If there are more than two lanes of traffic, pull over to the nearest curb to allow the emergency vehicle a clear path around you. Don't turn—If you're in the turning lane and see emergency responders approaching, do not make the turn.

When an emergency vehicle approaches and you are in the middle of an intersection you should?

When an emergency vehicle is approaching:Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. ... Keep a foot on the brake so the brake lights let emergency vehicle drivers know you have stopped.More items...

When an emergency vehicle is stopped at the side of the road?

Move to the lane closest to the stationary vehicle. Explanation If you are driving past an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road, you must vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle. If you cannot move over safely, you must slow down.

Can you go through a red light if an ambulance is behind you?

Please avoid pulling into bus lanes or cycle lanes. The ambulance crew are trained to negotiate traffic and may look to use the bus lane to pass, and you could get in their way or even get a ticket. Do not go through a red light to try to get out of the way as you may commit an offence.

How should you react to a stopped emergency vehicle?

As soon as you hear sirens coming your way, calmly pull over to the right and stop. “Slow down, check to the right, and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so to allow the emergency vehicle to pass you,” Ric Rangel-Bron, spokesman for Toronto Paramedic Services, writes in an e-mail.

When an emergency vehicle approaches and you are in the middle of an intersection you should?

When an emergency vehicle is approaching:Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. ... Keep a foot on the brake so the brake lights let emergency vehicle drivers know you have stopped.More items...

When you hear an emergency vehicle approaching yield the?

Explanation When driving on a two-lane roadway or undivided highway, you must yield to an emergency vehicle using its lights and/or siren, regardless of the direction from which it is approaching.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching you must?

If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind If there are more than two lanes of traffic, pull over to the nearest curb to allow the emergency vehicle a clear path around you. Don't turn—If you're in the turning lane and see emergency responders approaching, do not make the turn.

Do you have to move out of the way for emergency vehicles?

If it is safe to pass the ambulance will do so. If it is not, they will wait until there is a space to pass in a safe manner. If the lane is wide enough and there's room for the vehicle to pass you, try to move to the left, but without going forward over the white line or into a cycle lane.

Do I Need to Stop for an Emergency Vehicle at an Intersection?

A motorist should not stop in the middle of an intersection for an emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle does not expect anyone to stop for them...

What if an Emergency Vehicle Caused My Accident?

Despite how careful emergency vehicle drivers are when responding to a call, accidents do happen. Speeding can result in serious or minor accidents...

What if I Violate the Move Over Law?

In Virginia, a first violation of the Move Over law is treated as a simple traffic infraction. Subsequent violations are Class 1 misdemeanors, puni...

What if I am Injured by Someone Who Violated the Move Over Law?

Emergency and maintenance workers do lose their lives or are seriously injured each year by drivers who ignore or otherwise disobey the Move Over L...

What to do if an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road?

If an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, slow down and if there is an open lane to your left, move into that lane until you have passed the emergency scene and then carefully return to your original lane of travel.

Why is it important to know how to act when you see an emergency vehicle?

As drivers sharing the road, it’s important to know how to act when you see an emergency vehicle to ensure the safety of: The first responders. The victim (s) in need of help. The other drivers on the road. Your own vehicle.

What to do when you hear sirens?

If you are approaching an intersection and you hear sirens, I would advise slowing down as you’re approaching and going through the intersection to make sure there are no emergency vehicles.

What happens if you hear sirens?

If you are able to hear sirens, then chances are the emergency vehicles are close. I wouldn’t necessarily slow down in the middle of traffic if you hear sirens. However, it would be good to proceed with caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Do you see us when you are going through intersections?

A lot of times you will get a driver that will see us and do what they are supposed to do and pull right, but then the person behind them doesn’t understand why the vehicle in front is stopping, and without checking their mirrors will pull around them directly in front of us. Instances like that and when we are going through intersections are the highest probabilities of an accident occurring.

Can you call 9-1-1 if you see an accident?

Chances are that if you see the accident, then someone else did too. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that 9-1-1 has been contacted.

Do you need to pull over when there is a median in the roadway?

If there is a median in the roadway separating the lanes of travel, there is no need to pull over and stop as there would be no way for the emergency vehicle to access your travel lanes.

Situational Awareness and Correct Responses

Paying good attention to your surroundings is one of the most important skills to keep you and others safe on the roads – as is knowing what to do in traffic situations.

What to do when an emergency vehicle is behind you?

When being approached by an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens, your responsibilities as a motorist are:

What are the penalties for failing to give way to emergency services?

Both moving into and failing to move out of the path of an emergency vehicle with flashing blue or red lights or sounding a siren can result in 3 demerit points and a fine of $321.

How you can help keep our roads safer

Roadcraft has a standing offer arrangement with Queensland Ambulance Service to deliver all their driver training for all their staff, right across Queensland. Working with drivers in the QAS is something we enjoy, but making sure everyone on the road is as well educated and trained as possible is our passion.

What if an Emergency Vehicle Caused My Accident?

Despite how careful emergency vehicle drivers are when responding to a call, accidents do happen. Speeding can result in serious or minor accidents involving motorists. The NHTSA reports that thousands of emergency response vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, are involved in accidents each year. Some even result in fatalities.

When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind or from the opposite direction on a two-lane road, is it important to?

When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind or from the opposite direction on a two-lane road, it is important to not panic. It can be nerve-wracking when an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens blaring appears suddenly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises motorists to do the following:

What if I Violate the Move Over Law?

In Virginia, a first violation of the Move Over law is treated as a simple traffic infraction. Subsequent violations are Class 1 misdemeanors, punishable by jail time of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.

Can you move over a two lane road?

Sometimes, on a two-lane road, there is no room to move over safely. In those cases, slow down and proceed with caution. Police will often direct traffic when an emergency or maintenance vehicle is blocking the road.

Do I Need to Stop for an Emergency Vehicle at an Intersection?

A motorist should not stop in the middle of an intersection for an emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle does not expect anyone to stop for them in an intersection. A driver should continue through the intersection and quickly move over to let the responder pass.

When approaching an emergency vehicle, should you pull over?

If you hear sirens or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle approaching you from the rear, you should pull over as soon as it is safe in order to let the vehicle pass. If you hear sirens or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle approaching you from ...

What is the privilege of a driver of an emergency response vehicle?

Drivers of emergency vehicles including ambulances and police cars are allowed to speed, to run red lights , and to engage in what would otherwise be considered “reckless” driving behavior.

What happens if you’re involved in a collision with a police car or emergency vehicle traveling beyond posted speed limits?

However, the fact that the emergency vehicle was going over the posted speed limit does not make them immediately liable for the accident.

When observing an emergency vehicle with active sirens and/or flashing lights, drivers in North Carolina are required?

When observing an emergency vehicle with active sirens and/or flashing lights, drivers in North Carolina are required to slow down and pull over where it is safe to do so. When any emergency vehicle gives its warning signal (sirens or flashing lights), all drivers on the road should immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

When should you pull over if you hear sirens?

If you hear sirens or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle approaching you from the front, you should pull over as soon as it is safe in order to let the vehicle utilize all available road space. This applies to all vehicles on the road, regardless of the direction of travel, with only one exception.

Do emergency vehicles have to drive at speed limits?

While drivers of emergency vehicles are allowed to drive at speeds above posted speed limits and ignore some other rules of the road, they are still required to exercise caution as they drive around other vehicles on the roadway. They are required to drive in a safe manner and to avoid any driving behavior that would put other drivers ...

Does NC have a speed limit for emergency vehicles?

North Carolina law NC Law Concerning Emergency Vehicles states that speed limits do not apply to emergency vehicles when they are on their way to an emergency situation. However, it also states that this is allowed only “when operated with due regard for safety.”.

What happens when an emergency vehicle passes?

When an emergency vehicle passes, some motorists don’t pull completely off the road and stop. They merely slow down, and then quickly resume their travel after it passes. This can cause merging conflicts with the motorists ahead of them who did come to a complete stop and are now trying to get back onto the road.

What is the Utah law on emergency vehicles?

The Utah law that addresses this issue, Title 41-6a-904, states that when an emergency vehicle approaches, motorists must “yield the right-of-way and immediately move to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection; and then stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.”

What is the traffic scenario that can sometimes perplex even the most experienced motorist?

The one traffic scenario that can sometimes perplex even the most experienced motorist is at an intersection turning left when an emergency vehicle approaches. Do you proceed with your turn to get out of the way? Stay put and allow the emergency vehicle to go around you?

What to do when you see flashing lights?

In any event, Eynon says the first thing to do when encountering flashing lights is take your foot off the accelerator.

What is the rule of intersections?

But in general, the basic rule remains: Where safe and practical, immediately pull over to the right, out of the intersection, and stop.

Should traffic traveling both ways pull over?

Eynon says traffic traveling both ways should pull over to yield to emergency vehicles . The one exception is where there’s a clearly divided highway traffic traveling the opposite direction is not required to stop.

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1.What to Do When You See an Emergency Vehicle

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34 hours ago  · When being approached by an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens, your responsibilities as a motorist are: -Stay calm and in control of your vehicle -Slow down -If safe, …

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27 hours ago  · Reenter Slowly: There is often more than one emergency vehicle. Wait for all of them to pass before slowly reentering the roadway while using a turn signal. Maintain Safety: …

3.What do you do when you see an emergency vehicle …

Url:https://roadcraft.org.au/what-do-you-do-when-you-see-an-emergency-vehicle-behind-you/

6 hours ago  · If your vehicle is stationary amid traffic on a multi-lane road and unable to move over the shoulder, try to move as far as you can. An emergency vehicle such as a fire truck or …

4.What Should I Do if I See an Emergency Vehicle? | Virginia …

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16 hours ago  · “When you see an emergency vehicle approaching,” he said, “move immediately over to the right-hand side of the road and stop. Period.” RELATED: Driver made wrong call by …

5.What Are the Rules Of the Road For Emergency Vehicles?

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18 hours ago  · I believe that no matter what lane you are in that you should either pull out of the way or (if you can't) stop so you don't prevent other cars pulling out of the way in front of you...

6.What do drivers need to do when an emergency vehicle …

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15 hours ago  · The emergency vehicles are trying to get through the traffic quickly and safely and it is your job to assist in this with your vehicle. You must always be on the lookout for …

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