Fire Chief urges drivers to pull over for emergency vehicles

Flashing green lights also indicate emergency responders

Town of St. Marys Fire Chief Richard Anderson is reminding local and area drivers to heed the law and Driver’s Handbook when reacting to approaching emergency vehicles.

“When responding to recent calls, I have noticed some drivers not pulling over or getting nervous and stopping right in the middle of the street,” said Chief Anderson. “These actions delay emergency vehicles and increase the danger of collision for both drivers and emergency responders.”

According to the Driver’s Handbook, when an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights or sirens on, drivers are legally required to pull over to the closest curb or edge of the roadway. Drivers in intersections or preparing to make turns should abandon the turn and clear the intersection by proceeding straight when safe to do so and then pull to the right and stop.

When confronted by an emergency vehicle with lights or sirens on, reacting calmly and quickly is key. It is important to slow down gradually, use signals and be aware of vehicles approaching fast from behind. This is equally important when returning to the road. Often there may be multiple emergency vehicles and it is illegal to follow within 150 metres of a fire vehicle responding to an alarm. 

Drivers are also reminded that emergency response vehicle lights are not always blue or red. Some firefighters and volunteer medical responders may display a flashing green light.

Additional information and driving tips can be found online on the Ministry of Transportation’s website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/.

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Contact
Stacey Wheal| Corporate Communications Specialist
519-284-2340, ext. 429 | swheal@town.stmarys.on.ca