Airdrie RCMP has observed more and more people failing to yield correctly to emergency vehicles, prompting a reminder of what to do when you see flashing lights.

Emergency vehicles always have the right of way. In almost all cases, when you hear sirens on the road, you should pull over to the right curb and come to a complete stop. Make sure to shoulder check and watch for other vehicles when pulling over, and once the emergency vehicle has passed, don't follow within 150 meters. Also, keep an eye out for other emergency vehicles that might be coming.

The exception to the "stop on the right" rule is at intersections. If the ambulance or police car is coming from behind, you'll still want to pull over to the right, but if it is coming from the front or sides, remain stopped until it passes. Never stop in the middle of an intersection.

Never pull over to the left, as emergency vehicles try to stay in the left lane whether on the highway or city streets.

Not yielding to an emergency vehicle like a firetruck, ambulance or police car carries a $233 fine, but even more, it can have lethal consequences for first responders and the people they're trying to help. 

 

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