Ask the Chief
Question:
The other day while driving to work I encountered a fire truck with its emergency lights and siren on, approaching me from behind. There was a lot of traffic on the road at that time and I was coming up on an intersection with a traffic signal, which had just turned red. I know from taking the driver's test, you're supposed to pull to the right curb and stop to allow the emergency vehicle to go by; however, I couldn't because of the other cars and, frankly, I panicked a little because I just wanted to get out of the way but couldn't. What's the right thing to do in situation like that?
Answer:
This is a good question, and one I'm sure many other motorists have thought about. Just the fact that we all share the streets and highways with emergency vehicles is a good reason to review this subject so that, hopefully, driver anxiety can be reduced, vehicle code laws will be complied with, and accidents can be avoided.
First of all, don't panic. Stay calm and don't make any sudden stops, turns, or lane changes. Be visible and predictable to the emergency vehicle operator. When you can do so, safely pull to the right and stop.
If you're blocked by other vehicles or a red light and can't move, stay where you are; let the emergency vehicle move around you. If necessary, the emergency vehicle operator will stop his or her emergency response until the light turns green. Don't put yourself in jeopardy of being hit by cross traffic at an intersection by proceeding through a red light. When the light turns green, proceed through the intersection and safely pull to the right allowing the emergency vehicle to pass.
The 2003 Oregon legislature passed a law requiring drivers to slow down as they approach an emergency vehicle actively engaged on the side of the highway. Drivers are required to change lanes to a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle or ambulance, or reduce speed if changing lanes is unsafe on a highway of two or more lanes for traffic in a single direction; or reduce speed on a two directional, two-lane highway.
Approximately 100 firefighters throughout the nation are killed each year in the line of duty. Being struck by a motor vehicle is the 5th most common cause of death.
Without a doubt, police officers, firefighters, and rescue-ambulance personnel operating emergency vehicles consider your safety and that of your passengers to be of the utmost importance. Although they strive to arrive at an emergency incident as quickly as possible, they never lose sight of the fact that safety is their highest priority, even if it costs a few extra seconds to reach their destination. Drive safely!