Best Practices for Yielding to Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles

Whether you are a seasoned driver or a new volunteer in an emergency vehicle like a fire engine, understanding and adhering to the appropriate driving behavior around emergency vehicles is crucial. This is especially important when the vehicle has its lights and sirens on, indicating an urgent mission.

Understanding the Urgency and What to Do

When you encounter an ambulance or any emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on, it signifies that lives may be at stake. As someone who has experienced this multiple times as a volunteer firefighter, every second counts. Do not panic, but do act swiftly and safely. Move out of the way to provide the necessary clearance for the vehicle to navigate through traffic. This could mean clearing a path, moving to a safe lane, or simply reducing speed to create room if you are stationary.

Remember, it's not just about responding to an ambulance; it could be any emergency vehicle, like a police car, quickly responding to a critical situation. Always prioritizing safety and understanding the urgency of these situations can help save lives.

Observe and Adapt

Emergency vehicles need enough space to change lanes, slow down, or stop unexpectedly. Visibility is crucial, and as a driver, it's your responsibility to ensure you do not put yourself, the emergency responders, or the patients at risk. Keep a safe distance and avoid tailgating. Following an emergency vehicle is prohibited under most laws, and you could face penalties, including fines.

Maintaining a safe distance of at least 500-300 feet behind the emergency vehicle is a good practice. This distance allows you to safely observe their movements and also allows them the space they need to maneuver. It's also important to keep your head on a swivel and be aware of other emergency vehicles that may be following, as they will need to pass as well.

Respect Patient Safety

Emergency vehicles, particularly those transporting critically injured patients, often need to drive at lower speeds to avoid agitation. As a driver, do not impede their progress. Trying to follow them through traffic can lead to dangerous situations where other drivers might not expect their deceleration or lane changes.

Instead of following or trying to beat the emergency vehicle through traffic, consider taking a different route if possible. Doing so can help the vehicle reach its destination faster and more safely. If attempting to avoid the emergency vehicle while ensuring your own safety, stay at least 500 feet back and avoid attempting to follow the vehicle through a traffic jam. This can also help prevent traffic backlogs that could delay the response time of other emergency vehicles.

Distance When Approaching Hazards

While the emergency vehicle is in motion, there are scenarios where you must be cautious, especially when approaching an accident site or any situation where emergency vehicles are parked. Always stay at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles to avoid obstructing their path and to allow them to perform their duties without interference.

It's important to stay calm, follow safety protocols, and always prioritize the safety of the emergency responders and the people they are trying to help. Remember, your actions can make a significant difference in saving a life or ensuring a smooth operation of emergency services.