What to do when an emergency vehicle approaches

By law, when an emergency vehicle apporaches with flashing lights and an audible siren, other vehicles must get out of the way, usually by pulling off to the right and stopping. Sometimes this is not always possible. Here are a few tips:

"DO'S"
-an emergency vehicle driver will not force you of the road. If they don't get safely to the scene they won't be able to help anyone.
-If on a multilane highway, pull as far to the right as possible (as the right hand lane traffic should)
-If on a highspeed road, slow down as much as possible
-If you are unable to pull off the road, just stop where you are as safely as possible. The driver then knows what you are doing and can plan accordingly
-You MUST attempt to get out of the way safely if possible. Motorists can be fined if it is proven that they refused to yield to an emergency vehicle
-Let the emergency vehicle go by and wait till it is past 150 meters before proceeding

"DON'TS"
-If stopped at an intersection do not go against the traffic lights to get out of the way
-Do not pull out right behind the vehicle. You don't know where it will be stopping and there is likely more emergency vehciles following it
-Do not follow the vehicle to the scene. "Looky loos" only make the job of emergency workers tougher.

By following a few simple rules, you can help emergency workers get to the scene faster and safer

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