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COC Cougar News | What to Do When You’re Approached by an Emergency Vehicle

Uploaded 03/29/2017

What to Do When You’re Approached by an Emergency Vehicle

By Amanda Moulton

When it comes to emergency vehicles many people don’t know the law.

California vehicle code 21806 states that upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle which is sounding a siren and which has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light that is visible, the surrounding traffic must yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

Even if there is a median separating you and the emergency vehicle on the opposite side of the road, you still have to pull to the right.

“Sometimes based on traffic in front of us, we have to cross over to the other side, and drive on the opposite side of the road, driving into oncoming traffic,” Traffic Sgt. David Shoemaker said.

The worst thing for someone to do when they’re approached is to just stop in the middle of the road. You’re not creating a solution, you’re creating a bigger optical for responders to get around.

“When you’re at a stop light, the light turns green and you have lights and sirens behind you, go through the intersection and clear it. If you have to drive ahead till you can pull over safely, do it,” Firefighter and Paramedic Brian Clayton said.

If you do find yourself freaking out and not knowing where to go, acknowledge that you know the emergency vehicles are there, use your blinkers and if possible make eye contact. Most responders will tell you what to do or where to go.

Emergency vehicles aren’t there to mess up your day or cause a disruption, “we’re going to help somebody and if we’re delayed in traffic, we’re being delayed to possibly saving someone’s life,” Shoemaker said.

“If it was your family member that we were going to ho help… you would want us to get there fast, efficient and safe,” Clayton said.

Remember these tips from Clayton “don’t freak out when you look around and you see lights and sirens right on your bumper. Just use your eyes, and use your mirrors. Be aware when you drive, and be vigilant. You’ll be a better driver.”

(c) 2017 COC | SCVTV
1 Comment for COC Cougar News: What to Do When You’re Approached by an Emergency Vehicle
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