FAQs

Is it illegal to follow an emergency vehicle too closely when the warning lights and siren are operating?: Yes. A driver should not follow an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call or alarm closer than 500 feet. A driver should not park his or her vehicle within 300 feet of fire department vehicles that have stopped at an emergency scene. Also, do not attempt to follow an ambulance that is transporting a patient to the hospital.

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Emergency Vehicles For Safer Driving FAQs

1. What steps should drivers take to ensure they can hear the approach of an emergency vehicle?: When windows are closed, drivers should remain alert for flashing lights by looking in their rear view mirrors. Radio or stereo systems should be set at a level that allows sirens or horns to be heard. Cellular phone users should concentrate on safely operating the vehicle and maintain an awareness of their surroundings.

Motorists with cellular phones should use hands-free features, such as speakerphone and voice dialing, or have a passenger dial the call.

2. Should motorists stop when they see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with emergency lights and siren operating?: Yes. Upon the approach of any emergency vehicle giving audible signal by siren, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way by pulling to the right-hand side of the roadway until the emergency vehicle has passed.

3. What should drivers do on a multi-lane road when they are in the middle lane and the emergency vehicle is in the right lane?: Pull over to the left side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Always use common sense when driving on a multi-lane road.

4. When drivers approach an emergency vehicle scene, what precautions should they take?: Do not make the emergency scene worse. Drivers should maintain a safe driving speed, keep their eyes on the road and follow directions from authorized personnel. Be aware that other emergency vehicles may be approaching the scene.

5. At a fire scene, can motorists drive over a fire hose stretched across the street?: No, unless a fire department official gives them permission.

6. What should drivers be aware of when approaching a fire station?: Upon approaching a fire station, motorists should be aware that fire department vehicles may be entering the street responding to a call for help. If this happens to you - stop - and allow the emergency vehicle or vehicles to proceed.

7. Is it illegal to follow an emergency vehicle too closely when the warning lights and siren are operating?: Yes. A driver should not follow an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call or alarm closer than 500 feet. A driver should not park his or her vehicle within 300 feet of fire department vehicles that have stopped at an emergency scene. Also, do not attempt to follow an ambulance that is transporting a patient to the hospital.

8. Do pedestrians have the right-of-way over an emergency vehicle responding with lights and siren operating?: No. Pedestrians should remain on the sidewalk and wait until the emergency vehicle has passed. Pedestrians should always exercise caution and be aware of their safety.

9. While responding to a call for help, what can emergency vehicles do that motorists cannot?: An operator of an emergency vehicle must have warning lights and siren operating to do the following:
- Drive the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street
- Exceed the Speed Limit
- Proceed Through Stop Signs and Stop Lights
- Travel in Opposing Traffic Lanes

While emergency vehicles can disregard traffic laws, operators must drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using roadways.

10. When an emergency vehicle is approaching me on a divided highway, do drivers have to pull to the right and stop?: No, because the road is separated by a barrier or median. Occasionally an emergency vehicle may travel in the wrong direction on a divided highway. If this occurs, reduce your speed, yield the right of way and proceed cautiously.