Staying Safe Around Emergency Vehicles

Every driver was taught at some point when an emergency vehicle is around you how to react. There are steps people are taught to take in order to allow the emergency vehicles to safely pass around traffic or safely do their job on the side of the road.

There has been an increase in drivers failing to take these steps. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “In Illinois, drivers hit 15 State Police troopers or vehicles, while the officers were stopped along a road with their lights flashing, in the first three months of 2019.”

In order to combat this increase it is crucial to be aware of emergency vehicles in your surroundings whether they are approaching or stopped on the side of the road. 

 In order to do this you must:

1. Stay alert and aware
2. Never drive distracted
3. Keep music at a decent volume so you can hear sirens 

If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind you:

1. Move your vehicle to the right or to the side of the road
2. Be sure another emergency vehicle isn’t coming before you continue 

“If you see an emergency vehicle stopped along a roadway with flashing lights:

1. Immediately slow down;
2. Move over if you can safely do so; and
3. Switch to a lane that’s not immediately next to the emergency vehicle, if possible.”