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Move and yield for emergency response vehicles

  • Published
  • By 375th Mission Support Group
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  When you're driving and hear a siren or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, you need to immediately prepare to yield.

SAFBI 32-2001, dated March 20, 2013, states non-emergency vehicles will not follow closer than 300 feet of responding fire vehicles. In addition, approaching firefighting or other emergency response vehicles with emergency lights and sirens operating, all vehicles will pull to the right of the roadway and stop; check for follow-on emergency vehicles before proceeding.

Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 5 Illinois Vehicle Code Section 11-907 makes it clear: "Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this code or a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible or visual signal, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection and shall, if necessary to permit the safe passage of the emergency vehicle, stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer and the operator of every streetcar shall immediately stop such car clear of any intersection and keep it in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer."

It's important that drivers yield and be prepared to get out of the way no matter what lane they are in. Police and other emergency vehicles use different techniques to navigate blocked intersections. Get out of the way if you can and sit still until all emergency vehicles have passed. Don't assume you know which way the emergency vehicle is headed. And don't yield or stop only when the emergency vehicle is right at the intersection. It's important to stop as soon as possible to give the emergency vehicle driver time to assess the situation.

Also, if you are on a non-divided highway or road you need to yield even if you are traveling in the opposite direction as the emergency vehicle. That gives the emergency vehicle operator more room to maneuver if needed. The best option is to stop and sit still, pulling onto the shoulder if possible. Once traffic has stopped, then the operator of the emergency vehicle can decide how to safely navigate an intersection. They can't make that decision when cars are moving.

Emergency vehicle operators are required to stop at red lights and stop signs prior to entering the intersection and are trained to use the best and safest technique to cross or navigate the intersection with extreme caution.

Drivers need to do their part by slowing down, being patient and letting the fire, EMS or police get to the emergency scene safely. Also, during the winter months you need to provide snow removal vehicles a safe operating area; please do not attempt to pass them unless instructed to pass. Snow removal crews should be shown the same respect as emergency vehicles during snow removal.

Just remember--they could be heading to an emergency call at your home or the home of a friend or relative. Obey the law so they can do their job effectively and safely.