California Vehicle Code section 21806(a)(1)
states that “Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle
which is sounding a siren and which has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting
red light that is visible, under normal atmospheric conditions, from a distance
of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, the surrounding traffic shall,
except as otherwise directed by a traffic officer, do the following: the driver
of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive
to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and
thereupon shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle
has passed”.
So what does this mean for you as a driver?
1. If you see
an emergency vehicle behind you (fire truck, ambulance, or police vehicle) and
they have a siren sounding and a solid red light displayed, you as the driver
need to immediately pull over to the ride side of the road.
2. Once you
have safely pulled over to the right side of the road you need to remain there
until the emergency vehicle has passed you.
3. If you are
traveling on a road where there is a raised center median and the emergency
vehicle is approaching you from the opposite way, you still should yield to the
right side of the road until the emergency vehicle has passed you.
When emergency vehicles are travelling with
lights and siren on there is an emergency that needs to be attended to. It is
very important to be aware of your surroundings when driving. Minimizing the
distractions inside your vehicle can allow you as a driver to look and listen
for emergency vehicles travelling with their lights and siren on. A vehicle
failing to yield as required by law is not only dangerous but can hinder the
response time of the emergency professionals.
BOTTOM LINE:
LIGHTS AND SIRENS = PULL TO THE
RIGHT
Please be careful and drive safely.
Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo
Arcadia Police Department
Traffic Bureau Sergeant
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