In the U.S., what exactly are we supposed to do when an ambulance, with its sirens on, approaches from behind?
In the U.S., what exactly are we supposed to do when an ambulance, with its sirens on, approaches from behind?
Let's assume we're not stopped at a traffic signal.
This is only anecdotal, but I heard once that you're not supposed to stop altogether, rather drive at a slower pace so as to let it pass quickly. The person said what was more important is that drivers don't make sudden changes to their behavior. An EMT driver can more safely maneuver if they don't have to predict what any one knucklehead will do the moment they get close.
If this is wrong or needs clarification, please enlighten me!
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You are supposed to get out of the way. Stop if you can, if you can't because you're in an intersection, go through and pull over at the nearest available curb. If you are at a red light and the emergency vehicle is behind you, slowly pull out into the intersection as soon as it is safe to do so and drive through and pull over when you leave the intersection to allow the emergency vehicle through. This is the only time you may legally run a red light, but you cannot just blow through the intersection. Basically try not to wait for the emergency vehicle to tell you to go through, but also don't drive like a BMW driver.
Blocking an emergency vehicle, or refusing to let it pass, is a crime in basically every state.
Typically, do not keep driving. Pull to the right, stop, and wait until the emergency vehicle has passed you. This is supposed to be done even if the emergency vehicle is on the other side of the road. The exception to this is if there is a divider in the middle of the road, for example a curb or island. However, if there is no physical divider in the road, you must pull over in case the emergency vehicle needs to make a u-turn or enter oncoming traffic lanes for any reason.
Also I find use your turn signals to let them know which way you are moving out of the way
We know, they already said “not like a BMW driver” 😏
Remember, if you ever feel your job is useless, someone, somewhere is installing turn signals in BMWs.
It's a robot now, and its job is useless
"What is my purpose?"
"You install the BMW turn signals."
Yes, you are supposed to signal for all lane changes. All driving laws still apply, but emergency vehicle laws supercedes them.
The exception to this is if there is a divider in the middle of the road, for example a curb or island.
A couple times I've seen firetrucks drive over the median to the other side of the road if traffic is backed up so you should still be cautious if you are on the opposite side of the median.
Yeah but that is HIGHLY unusual, so while you do still habe to yield to the firetruck once its intentions are made clear, they still must make sure that everyone is aware of what they're doing and out of the way. If it just whips it over a median and hits someone it's their fault.