CALGARY- The sound of sirens approaching can put panic into most drivers, especially if they’re stuck in gridlock. So what should you do, when an emergency vehicle is approaching?
The rules are simple.
“If you’re on a two-way street move to the right lane, come to a complete stop, let the emergency vehicle pass,” explains Ron Wilson from the Alberta Motor Association. “If you’re on a one-way street, depending on the lane you’re in move to either side. Again, stop and let the emergency vehicle pass.”
Despite the simple instructions, many drivers will suddenly stop, or others speed up. Some are so distracted, they don’t even noticed the red emergency lights approaching.
Police say that every additional second it takes for vehicles to get out of the way, can create a dangerous situation.
“The longer you take to do that, time is of an essence in an emergency,” says Cst. Jim Lebedeff from the Calgary Police Traffic Unit. “When we’re screaming lights and sirens, we’re obviously going to do something to help somebody out.”
Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is a $172 ticket and three demerit points.
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