Emergency Vehicle Awareness: Give Way Safely
There are many general rules to be followed when being passed by an emergency vehicle, regardless of the direction.
Failing to give way to an emergency vehicle is a crime. A law enforcement officer can charge the driver for this.
1. Remain calm. The driver will need to act swiftly but calmly.
Making sudden brakes or sudden turns will only cause more harm than good.
2. Use the indicators if the driver is going to turn to the side of the road.
Be sure to also check the driver's mirrors and blind spots before turning.
3. Be considerate with spacing; keep space for other vehicles to turn and move.
4. Wait for the vehicle to pass.
Check if there are other emergency vehicles behind the first one.
5. Check and indicate before slowly merging back into traffic.
| Tips | Check |
|---|---|
| Avoid distractions | |
| Check your rear-view mirrors, and look in front and on sides of your vehicle | |
| Don't drive on or block the shoulder on freeways | |
| it's illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres | |
| Keep the noise level down in your vehicle | |
| Stay alert | |
| Use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over | |
| When the emergency vehicle has passed, check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic |
Source: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/emergency-vehicles.shtml
Multi-lane highway
When on a multi-lane highway, move to the far right-hand side lane. Be sure to indicate and check the mirrors.
Be sure not to drive on the highway's shoulder as it is designated for emergency vehicles when heavy traffic occurs.
2-lane or 1-lane road
Move to the right-hand lane, get as close to the curbs as possible, and come to a stop.
Be sure not to block any turns or intersections, as emergency vehicles may need to turn.
Intersections
All vehicles in all directions yield to emergency vehicles.
Ensure that the driver is not blocking the intersection.
Do not turn left. Proceed straight and stop on the right-hand side of the road.
Failure to comply
Failure to slow or make space when approached by an emergency vehicle can result in a fine.
The consequences range from fines up to $2000, 3 demerit points, or even up to 2 years of jail time.
Hence it is essential to be alert when driving. Avoid distractions such as music, which may distract the driver from hearing or seeing the emergency vehicle.
The driver should also remember that it is illegal to follow an emergency vehicle within 150 meters. So, do not tailgate an emergency vehicle.