Ambulence on it's way! But now what?

When most people hear the sounds of an ambulance coming their way, they know that they need to get out of the way so the ambulance can reach the people in need. However, the ambulance always seems to be headed toward you when you are caught in a spot and cannot move. So, what are you supposed to do? Here is a break down of the basic rules when an ambulance is approaching.

- The “Move Over Law. We covered this law in a previous post. The main idea is that the law declares that upon approaching a stationary authorized vehicle (tow truck, department of transportation vehicle or police/CHP vehicles) with warning lights on, the driver must switch lanes (to the lane that is not directly next to the stopped vehicle). If this maneuver is unsafe, the driver must slow to a reasonable speed.

- When you hear sirens from behind you.

If you are being approached from behind by an emergency response vehicle, pull over to the right. Ambulances drive in the left most lanes to get around the vehicles in the road. By pulling to the right and stopping until they pass, the ambulance can pass safely and you and your passengers will remain safe as well.

- When there is an ambulance coming at you head on.

In this situation, you also pull over to the right. For the same reasons above, that emergency response vehicles will use the inner most lanes to maneuver through traffic in order to get to an emergency scene. By pulling to the right, you escape danger and the ambulance or response vehicle can get through traffic to get to the people in need.

- When you are at an intersection.

When there is a green light.
Do not stop in the middle of an intersection. If you are going through an intersection, continue through the intersection and pull to the right as soon as you are able to safely.

When there is a red light.
If you are at a red light at the intersection, stay where you are. Pull up to the limit line or crosswalk and remain there until the vehicle passes.

Straight from the law books: California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections pertaining to emergency vehicles responding to Code 3 situations:

21806(a)(1) CVC – When approached by an emergency vehicle, which is sounding a siren and displaying a forward facing red light (Code 3),all vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way and drive to the right side of the roadway and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

21806(a)(2) CVC ­ When approached by an emergency vehicle that is responding Code 3 in a carpool lane, all vehicles shall exit the lane immediately.

21806(c) CVC ­ When approached by an emergency vehicle that is responding Code 3, all pedestrians upon the roadway shall yield the right-of-way and proceed to the nearest curb or place of safety and remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Safety first everyone! Make sure you are sharing the road with those who risk their lives to save others. Enjoy your weekend and do not forget that Harrington Insurance Agency is available for all of your insurance needs. Just check out www.harringtoninsurance.com for more information!