At one point or another, you will likely encounter an emergency vehicle while you are driving. Surprisingly, many people do not know the proper course of action to take when an emergency vehicle emerges, which can potentially put others, as well as yourself, in danger. By being prepared and knowing how to react properly will make life easier for the emergency responders, other drivers, and yourself. Pull
Over to the Side of the Road Safely A firetruck, ambulance, or police cruiser will turn on their sirens to inform everyone that they need to get to their destination quickly. If you hear this siren and it is coming from behind you, then you need to pull to the right side of the road. However, you do not want to pull over without first looking if it’s clear to do so safely. Make sure there are no vehicles or cyclists to your side, including in your vehicle’s blind spots. Once it
looks clear, you can activate your turn signal and move over. If you see an emergency vehicle coming towards you in front of you, you will still need to pull over to the right side of the road. Ambulances, firetrucks, and police cars have special privileges. They are permitted to travel in the opposite lane against the flow of traffic in order to get somewhere faster. No matter which direction the emergency vehicle is coming from, the law requires you to pull over and that you need to wait
until the emergency vehicle has passed to resume driving. Be sure to look to make sure no vehicles are in your way before merging back into your lane and continuing on your driving path. Additional Tips When There Is an Emergency Vehicle When you hear emergency sirens, you are ultimately responsible for your actions, so be sure to follow every step safely. You should not slam on your brakes because someone behind you may not react that aggressively. If you are
approaching an intersection and hear a siren, then you should not enter or cross it. Slow down and wait until the emergency vehicle has passed, and then you may continue on your route. You also need to make sure your sense of hearing is not impaired while you are driving. Avoid wearing headphones to listen to music while you are driving. Even listening to the radio too loudly could affect how well you are able to hear other vehicles. There should be nothing in the way of you hearing a
potential siren. When an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, it means they are en route to offer immediate help in a time-sensitive, emergency situation. Be sure to abide by the rules of the road, it could be a matter of life or death. Large Trucks (Big Rigs) and Recreational Vehicles (RVs)To reduce the chance of having a collision with a large truck or RV, you must be familiar with a big rig’s physical capabilities and how it maneuvers. BrakingLarge trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles traveling at the same speed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop within 400 feet. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take almost 800 feet to stop. Do not move in front of a large truck and suddenly slow down or stop. The truck driver will not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid crashing into you. Trucker’s Blind Spots – The “No Zone”Shaded areas are the driver’s blind spots. Passenger vehicle drivers incorrectly assume that a trucker can see the road better because they are higher off the road. While truckers do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have large blind spots or “NO ZONES” where your vehicle can disappear from a truck driver’s view. If you stay in those blind spots, you block the trucker’s ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation. Generally speaking, if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you. TurningWhen a vehicle makes a turn, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference in the turning path. This is why big rig drivers must often swing wide to complete a right turn. When you follow a big rig, look at its turn signals before you start to pass. If the truck appears to be turning left, check the turn signals again; the driver may actually be turning right but first swinging wide. ManeuverabilityTrucks are not as maneuverable as passenger vehicles. Large trucks have longer stopping and starting distances. They take more space for turns and weigh more. When no signs are posted, these vehicles must be driven in the right traffic lane or as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway. On a divided highway with 4 or more traffic lanes in one direction, these vehicles may also be driven in the lane just to the left of the right lane. Avoid these mistakes when driving around large trucks:
Buses, Streetcars, and TrolleysDo not drive through a safety zone, which is a space set aside for pedestrians, marked by raised buttons or markers on a roadway. When people are boarding or leaving a streetcar or trolley where there is no safety zone, stop behind the vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle platform and wait until the people have reached a safe place. When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or at an intersection where traffic is controlled by a peace officer or traffic signal light, you may pass at no more than 10 mph.Do not overtake and pass any light-rail vehicle or streetcar on the left side, whether it is moving or standing. Exceptions:
Light Rail VehiclesLight-rail vehicles have the same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as other vehicles. Although everyone must follow the same traffic laws, light-rail vehicles require exceptional handling ability because of their size. Safely share the road with light-rail vehicles by:
Do not turn in front of light rail vehicles Safety Zones are marked by dotted white
lines Light-rail vehicles can interrupt traffic signal lights. Do not proceed until the traffic signal light indicates you may proceed. Emergency VehiclesYou must yield the right-of-way to any police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) have passed. However, never stop in an intersection. If you are in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle, continue through the intersection and then, drive to the right as soon as it is safe and stop. Emergency vehicles often use the wrong side of the street to continue on their way. They sometimes use a loudspeaker to talk to drivers blocking their path. Yield to Emergency Vehicles You must obey any traffic direction, order, or signal given by a traffic or peace officer, or a firefighter even if it conflicts with existing signs, signals, or laws. It is against the law to follow within 300 feet behind any fire engine, police vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights (CVC §21706). If you drive for sight-seeing purposes to the scene of a fire, collision, or other disaster, you may be arrested. Casual observers interfere with the essential services of police, firefighter, ambulance crews, or other rescue or emergency personnel. Slow Moving VehiclesSome vehicles are not designed to keep up with the speed of traffic. Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenance
vehicles usually travel 25 mph or less. Slow-moving vehicles have an orange/red triangle on the back of the vehicles. It A Slow Moving Vehicle Also, be aware that large trucks, bicyclists, and small-underpowered cars lose speed on long or steep hills and take longer to get up to speed when entering traffic. Other types of slow-moving motorized vehicles, such as wheelchairs, scooters, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), and golf carts may legally operate on public roads. Adjust your speed accordingly to accommodate them.Vehicles proceeding at a speed less than the flow of traffic and moving on a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe, must turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, if a line of 5 or more vehicles forms behind them. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV)When you see these signs or markings: NEV USE ONLY or NEV ROUTE, watch out for slow-moving vehicles in the roadway. NEVs and LSVs are restricted from roadways where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph (CVC §§385.5 and 21260). NEVs and LSVs reach a maximum speed of 25 mph. Owners of registered NEVs and LSVs must comply with financial responsibility laws and have a valid DL to operate the vehicle. Animal-Drawn VehiclesHorse-drawn vehicles and riders of horses or other animals are entitled to share the road with motor vehicles. It is a traffic offense to scare horses or stampede livestock. Slow down or stop, if necessary, or when requested to do so by the riders or herders. MotorcyclesMotorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. While everyone must follow the same traffic laws, motorcyclists face additional dangers because motorcycles require exceptional handling ability and are harder to see. Therefore, many motorcycles keep their headlight on at all times, even during daylight hours. Motorcyclists can do many things to increase their chances of being seen by drivers and other road users, including:
Follow these rules to respect the right-of-way and safely share the road with motorcyclists:
BicyclesBicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle and motorcycle drivers, including:
Bicyclists shall not operate a bicycle on a roadway unless the bicycle is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make a one-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. Turns for bicyclists Intersections with special lanes During darkness, bicyclists should avoid wearing dark clothing and must have the following equipment:
Bicyclists have the right to operate on the road and may:
Bicycles In Travel LanesBicyclists traveling slower than the flow of traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway except in the following situations:
Right Wrong Passing a bicyclist that is in the travel lane at a safe distance may require changing into another lane, passing safely and quickly, and returning to your original lane leaving room between your vehicle and the bicyclist. When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. If you are unable to pass within 3 feet of space, pass at a safe speed to not endanger the bicyclist. Here are some critical points for drivers and bicyclists to remember. Motor vehicle drivers must:
Pedestrians Who Are BlindPedestrians using guide dogs or white canes with or without a red tip must be given the right-of-way at all times. These pedestrians are partially or totally blind. When these pedestrians are in your vicinity, be especially careful when turning corners or backing up, particularly if you are driving a quiet hybrid vehicle. Here are some suggestions for helping pedestrians who are blind:
Road Workers and Work Zones (Cone Zones)Signs and message boards warn you of workers, slow- moving equipment, and closed lanes ahead. Cones, drums, or other barriers will guide you through the work zone. Reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down or stop for highway equipment. Merge as soon as it is safe to do so and without crossing the cones or drums. In work zones where lanes are narrow or where the shoulder is closed, watch for bicycles and “share the road” when they are present. Watch for work zone speed limit and reduced speed limit warning signs. For your own safety and the safety of your passengers remember to pass the work zone carefully, slow down, allow extra following room between vehicles, merge early, expect sudden slowing or stopping, watch for drivers changing lanes at the last minute, and avoid distractions while driving in a work zone. Distractions include using your hands-free cell phone, reading/sending text messages, and/or operating your GPS and entertainment systems. Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more. Anyone convicted of assaulting a highway worker faces fines of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to 1 year. Do not stop or slow down to watch the road work. Obey special signs or instructions from workers (flaggers). Double Fine ZonesDue to increased collision-related injuries and fatalities, certain roads are designated as “Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones.” Fines for violations are doubled in these zones and also in highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present (CVC §42010). Move Over and Slow DownDrivers are required to move over a lane, if safe to do so, or slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a Department of Transportation (Caltrans) vehicle displaying emergency flashing or amber warning lights while stopped on the side of a state highway or freeway. The law is designed to reduce the deaths of peace officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics, Caltrans employees, and other emergency personnel who are aiding stranded or injured motorists or involved in road work. Vehicles With Hazardous LoadsA diamond-shaped sign on a truck means that the load on the truck is potentially dangerous (gas, explosives, etc.). Vehicles which display these signs are required to stop before crossing railroad tracks. Hazardous Load Placards Dealing with Traffic CongestionSmall changes in your driving habits can help relieve chronic traffic congestion. Avoid the following driving behaviors:
What must a driver do if he she sees an emergency vehicle on the side of the road next to his/her lane of travel?The best option is for operators to slow their vehicles down and move to the right lanes. If you can't move to the right because of traffic, we ask that you slow down and move to the right as far as possible so that the emergency vehicles can safely pass using the median lanes on the left side of the roadway.
What must you do if you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road ahead and it is adjacent?On multi-lane roadways, slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle at the roadside and, if possible, move over into an adjacent lane.
What must a driver do if he she sees an emergency vehicle on the side of the road next to his/her lane of travel with lights flashing and/or sirens on quizlet?What must a driver do if he/she sees an emergency vehicle on the side of the road next to his/her lane of travel with lights flashing and /or sirens on? Change lanes if safe and possible or, if not possible, slow down to a safe and prudent speed.
What must you do if you see an emergency vehicle in the side of the road ahead quizlet?What must a driver do if they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with lights flashing and/or sirens on? Change lanes if safe and possible or, if not possibke, slow down to a safe and prudent speed.
|