OWL Shares Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Fire & Rescue Vehicles

What to Do When an Emergency Vehicle Approaches

A great rule of thumb is to always be cautious when driving near emergency vehicles, even if they are not in response mode. Keep in mind that ambulances, fire engines, ladder trucks, and various other fire and rescue apparatus are large and much heavier than the average personally owned vehicle. Due to their size and weight, maneuvering fire and rescue vehicles can be a challenge.

Fire and rescue drivers are trained to operate their emergency vehicles with due regard for the safety of other persons and property. Because of this, it’s best for vehicles to move out of the lane that fire and rescue vehicles are using. However, we know that traffic is very heavy at times in the Northern Virginia area. Heavy traffic can make it difficult for drivers to move over to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

When drivers see an emergency vehicle in response mode approaching from behind, they should gauge its location. Motorists should then create space for fire and rescue operators to maneuver through traffic.

• NEVER stop abruptly in front of an emergency vehicle. Don’t slam on the brakes or pull over suddenly.
• Use a turn signal, calmly and safely move over to the nearest edge of the roadway, preferably to the right, if possible, and try to come to a complete stop. The use of a turn signal sends a message to the emergency vehicle operator that you are aware of their presence.
• Drivers should NEVER try to pass an emergency vehicle or speed up to stay ahead of it.
• When traveling behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying warning lights and sounding a siren, NEVER follow closer than 500 feet.
• NEVER put your vehicle in park while pulled over to yield to an emergency vehicle. Keep your foot on the brake. The brake lights let emergency vehicle operators know you have stopped.
• Be aware of pedestrians walking at the edge of the roadway while pulling to the nearest edge.
• DO NOT stop on a bridge, curve, or crest of a hill. Instead, activate your turn signal and proceed forward until you can safely pull over and come to a complete stop.
• After one emergency vehicle has passed, be vigilant. ALWAYS watch for others. There may be several other emergency vehicles.
• After emergency vehicles pass and traffic begins to resume:
  • Don’t move hastily; take a few seconds to look around before moving your vehicle.
  • Before reentering the roadway, scan your mirrors to be sure it’s safe to reenter into traffic.
  • Use your turn signals before reentering to let other drivers know your intentions.

The Code of Virginia Title 46.2 contains laws governing emergency vehicle operations and other motor vehicle operations.

For more information about Virginia’s Move Over Law (§ 46.2-861.1.), read our web post.

The safety of all drivers, their passengers, and emergency responders is a shared responsibility. Small actions can make a big impact, especially in emergencies. Following laws and practicing these safety tips can contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.