What should we do if an ambulance or any emergency vehicle comes near us on the road with lights and sirens turned on?

I’m pretty sure we all know the basics.   But here’s a better explanation.  We interviewed Sgt. Steve Wholey on Wednesday morning about this issue.  He’s a traffic Sargeant with Metro Police.  He says we should SLOW DOWN and PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.  Then, when it passes…. make sure you are clear to pull out and start driving again.   Yes, it can be frustrating… sometimes there are many lanes of traffic and there’s nowhere to go.  But, if everyone pulls over slightly, to at least make one lane free… then it should work out. 

Also… the burning question.  WHAT IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING EASTBOUND… AND AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE IS DRIVING WESTBOUND WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS?  Do we PULL over?  Do we HAVE to?  Sgt. Wholey says YES.  But only if there is not a wide median between the lanes.  If there is a concrete median dividing the highway, you can keep driving (probably just slow down a little) … but if the road does not have a wide median divider, YOU MUST SLOW DOWN and PULL OVER TOO!

A local EMT wrote in after the segment, and I told him I would share his comments on my blog. 

Something to keep in mind:

I currently work for a 911 ambulance. When I drive lights and sires I’m always aware of other diver’s and how they might react to me. Mostly because alot of people that try and race us, just not pull over at all until they hit a red light or will pull to the left and block the only empy lane for us to pass. Another one of my favorites are those that will pass us on the street. So the next time you see a emergency vehicle pull over to the right. For all you know they may be going to your or your familys house. After all it only takes 4 to 6 minutes with no oxeygen before someone becomes brain dead.

If you have questions about specific rules of the road…. or laws…. you can email me at traffic8@klastv.com – we interview Sgt. Wholey every Wednesday morning and ask your questions.

Posted by Dayna Roselli

Categories: Travel