I'm at a red light, first in line. A fire truck approaches from behind me, siren blaring. What do I do?

Question

There's a lot of traffic in both directions, and I need to know if I have to wait for the light to change, and block the fire truck, or move ahead into the intersection to clear space.

Answer 1

GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!
GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!
GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!
GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!
GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!
GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!

The fire truck is responding to an emergency call!!! This means that there is a danger to life and property. make sure that oncoming traffic is stopping and pull into the intersection!!! Get out of the way of any emergency vehicle.


The red lights and siren trump the traffic lights every day.

Answer 2

Good morning. I like to give you my thoughts on your delima. Depending on the state with which you reside ( check with the DMV to be certain ) I'd say that a you should remain where you are at the intersection. The driver of the fire truck is a professional and his vantage point in the elevated vehicle , gives him a clear view of the upcoming intersection . The fireman can simply hope that he/she is dealing with rational people as the truck approaches . A nervous driver without common sense knowledge mat veer out into the path of the emergency vehicle or another motorist which has the potential for another accident and injury . To simply move to the right in an absentminded fashion simply because the law says its a rule , would be totally irresponsible and a great way to raise your insurance premiums. The most important tool a motorist can have is the ability to make rational , intuitive and level headed decisions .Remain steadfast as far as knowing where every other vehicle is and always be mentally prepared for any situation even if its never happen before.....it might .

Answer 3

If you are already stopped and waiting at a red light. just stay right where your at. they will make their way around you. if you try and go through the light to move you may in advertantly cause an accident that will block the intersection or you may black another route for the vehicle to get through. If the emergency vehicle is going somewhere code (lights and sirens on), they can and will frequently pull out into the on comming lanes of traffic to by pass blocked lanes. That's also why they sound the air horns at intersections, to make sure that traffic traveling across their path knows they are comming.

Answer 4

You have two options, you either (A) if it is an option, you can move to the right, or (B) if it is unsafe, then you do not move at all. Allow the emergency vehicle to make the decisions and take advantage of the clear lanes. Cars sprawling to get out of the way can cause more traffic jams and make matters worse. If your unsure of your situation and you feel you may cause an accident by trying to move your vehicle, sit tight and give right-of-way to the emergency vehicle. Pay attention though! They may clear the way and then need you to move!

Answer 5

You need to clear space. You can move forward a little bit into the intersection, then pull over to the side.

Answer 6

You have to move I had that happen to me I was just sitting at the light because I saw them coming, then they pulled up behind me and honked!!! So i just went and pulled over when I got through the intersection. But be carefull because it seems to me that people never stop, I have seen trucks have to stop and wait because people wont stop!!! Dont they know you can get a ticket for that!?!?!? So just be carefull!!!!!!

Answer 7

If there is a firetruck approaching the intersection then all traffic has to stop so you should be ok pulling over to the right to let it pass.

Answer 8

You should stop and not move until the firetruck clears the intersection and you determine that there are no other emergency vehicles. If the firetruck can't get past you without you moving, you should move to the side of the road to clear the lane. Stay there until the firetruck and all other emergency vehicles pass you.

Answer 9

Do whatever you can to get out of their way. Time is of the essence...could make a difference in saving one's life. These other vehicles coming from the other direction are going to see him and slow down as well. You wont get a ticket for doing the right thing.

Answer 10

MOVE! The truck will push you out of the way in a second if you do not move. They only wait about 10 seconds, before they just drive, and don't stop, so move and save the embarisment!