RoadSmart Report | December, 2006

Sharing the road with emergency vehicles

In a crisis situation, it’s imperative that emergency vehicles arrive as quickly as possible, but many are delayed by motorists who don’t yield the right of way.

This is especially important during the winter months. Driving in the winter can be a challenge at the best of times. Roadways are narrower and are often covered in ice. Knowing what to do when approaching an emergency vehicle could prevent a serious collision.

“In some cases drivers don’t notice the emergency vehicle because they aren’t paying attention,” says Shannon Ell, SGI’s Manager of Traffic Safety Promotion. “However, a lot of the time it’s a driver who may not know what they’re supposed to do when an emergency vehicle approaches.”

Ell reminds motorists that all emergency vehicles (fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances) have the right of way when displaying flashing lights and using sirens, or when flashing lights alone are activated.

When approached by an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing or sirens engaged, drivers must immediately drive as closely as possible to the right edge of the roadway and not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if a peace officer gives other directions. On one-way streets, drivers should pull to the right or left – whichever is the nearest curb.

At an intersection, drivers must stop and let the emergency vehicle through the intersection. Even if a driver has a green light and the emergency vehicle is coming to a red light, the emergency vehicle has the right of way.

These same rules also apply when meeting or being overtaken by an emergency vehicle on the highway. As well, when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the highway with its lights flashing (including tow trucks), drivers must slow to 60km/h when passing, unless on the opposite side of a divided highway. Failure to slow to 60 km/h could result in a fine of at least $140.

Contact:
Shannon Ell
Manager, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179