if you are at a red light that turns green just as an emergency vehicle comes...?

Question

should you stay put, wait for it to go by, or just continue on your way?

Answer 1

I have seen some answers to this question I disagree with.Take it from someone who drives the BIG RED TRUCKS.At intersections regardless which direction the emergency vehicle(EV) is coming from STAY STILL. Pulling through the intersection will only confuse the driver of the EV along with other drivers.Most EV drivers will move to the lane that is going in the opposite direction to get around the intersection.If you have started moving because the light turned green then by all means continue through the intersection then pull to the right and stop.Stopping in the intersection will only slow and confuse the other drivers and the EV.Not to mention if you stop in the middle of the intersection the EV may need to turn in the direction you are blocking.Also at least here in MO the EV has right of way over Funeral Processions.

Answer 2

Then do so, if it concerns you. As already said, emergency service vehicles are often sent towards an incident, and cancelled en route. Sirens are only used where necessary (in the UK anyway) and otherwise turned off. We'd also even turn off the blues on some occasions, especially when approaching the scene of a burglary for instance where offenders might still be on the premises. Ambulances often do that too, in order not to unduly disturb and alarm the neighbourhood. As a further example, when a fire alarm goes off at our hospital it is obligatory that three appliances attend whether actually needed or not. If the first on scene calls the others off, they will still attend, albeit with blues and twos turned off and at normal speed, until the officer in charge actually turns them away at the scene. If there are a few "bad apples" doing this just to get to their tea-break or whatever, reporting them is the best thing you can do. That behaviour weakens the whole idea of the emergency equipment

Answer 3

You are always supposed to let an emergency vehicles go first when their lights are flashing. You should stay out of the way.

Answer 4

it depends on where you are in relation to the emergency vechicle.
for example, if it is coming up behind you, and has nowhere to go because of traffic, you should accelerate through the intersection, and pull over to give the vechicle room to pass you.

if say, you are at an intersection and the E.V. comes from an alternate direction, lets say is turning on to the road you are currently on, making a left hand turn, stay exactly where you are and then, when they have cleared the intersection, you may proceed as normal.

Answer 5

Assuming the emergency vehicle has its lights and siren on:

If it is coming from the cross street or is approaching you, let it go through. It has the right of way.

If it is coming from behind you pull ahead and over to the side and let it through.

Answer 6

STAY PUT!!! Let the emergency vehicle pick their way through the intersection. If they need you to move ...they will get behind you and blast the siren...... then you need to move ...slowly to the curb ...out of their way.

Answer 7

Staying put is the best thing you can do. It allows the emergency vehicle to proceed without having to guess where your going.

Answer 8

You do not move, unless it is to get out of the way. If he is coming up behind you, you may need to move to the side, but if he has a clear lane, stay put until he is past. He has to know the clear he is aiming for is going to stay clear.

Answer 9

Emergency vehicles have the right of way....no matter what colour the light is. Shouldn't this be covered at the dmv before anyone is given a licence to drive.

Answer 10

You need to pull all the way over to the right, without blocking the intersection. If you're first in line at the light, you'll have to go through the light first. Use your signal.