Let’s assume we’re not stopped at a traffic signal.
This is only anecdotal, but I heard once that you’re not supposed to stop altogether, rather drive at a slower pace so as to let it pass quickly. The person said what was more important is that drivers don’t make sudden changes to their behavior. An EMT driver can more safely maneuver if they don’t have to predict what any one knucklehead will do the moment they get close.
If this is wrong or needs clarification, please enlighten me!
The laws are set by each state. My state says:
I didn’t even think that it would vary by state (of course it does), and I should have checked my state’s law, but this community was made for a reason after all 🤷♂️
Anyway, my state says something very similar. Thanks for indirectly nudging me to do my own research!
True, but there’s the Uniform Vehicle Code which as far as I know most US states have adopted (and then modified) some version of it. I imagine most countries do something similar with their driving laws but I’m no expert.
In Australia some states say you can run a red light, others say you can’t.
That said, in many cases it’s possible to “encroach” into the intersection to allow the vehicle to pass without crossing traffic.
Also note that in the vast majority of cases the emergency vehicle can just go around queued traffic.