Lights and sirens
Mar 28, 2022 09:13:48 #
I watch a lot of police based television reality type programs. I have noticed that many civilian drivers do not pull over to the side of the road for lights and sirens. I'm in Northeast Ohio and most drivers will pull over and stop for emergency vehicles until they pass. The state and local laws are probably similar, but compliance and enforcement obviously varies. What is it like in your local area? Please list your general locale and country if outside of the United States.
~Lee
~Lee
Mar 28, 2022 09:18:58 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Most folks pull over but some are so distracted that they’re not aware of what’s happening around them.
Mar 28, 2022 09:20:16 #
allan catt
Loc: gillingham,kent,uk
Kent UK.almost most drivers pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Mar 28, 2022 09:22:09 #
Phoenix, Az. area. some do, some don't. I always pull over.
--Bob
--Bob
llamb wrote:
I watch a lot of police based television reality t... (show quote)
Mar 28, 2022 09:52:32 #
No fun when the twit in front of you is totally clueless, especially when you’re driving a 75’ aerial ladder truck red lights and sirens!!!!
Been there - done that!
Please, please pay attention and get OUT OF THE WAY.
THANKS ALL!
Been there - done that!
Please, please pay attention and get OUT OF THE WAY.
THANKS ALL!
Mar 28, 2022 09:53:22 #
I spent 40 years in law enforcement. Drove a marked patrol car for 18 of those years. Not pulling over isn’t the worse thing drivers do. Slamming on the brakes when they see you in their rear view mirror is.
Mar 28, 2022 10:09:58 #
GAS496 wrote:
I spent 40 years in law enforcement. Drove a marked patrol car for 18 of those years. Not pulling over isn’t the worse thing drivers do. Slamming on the brakes when they see you in their rear view mirror is.
Definitely! Thanks for the reminder. Almost squashed one a couple of times.
Thanks GAS 496.
Mar 28, 2022 10:17:49 #
Some drivers have absolutely no clue that they are sharing the road…. oblivious, they are and prove it everyday. Not that I’m perfect, because I’m not, but “awareness” on the road can’t be over emphasized.
Mar 29, 2022 07:09:09 #
Northeast US. Most drivers pull over…the ones who don’t are usually distracted…loud music, phones, just not paying attention, etc..
Mar 29, 2022 07:10:30 #
medphotog
Loc: Witness protection land
In my "previous" life, speaking from the EMS side of the house (six year volunteer, ~4k calls), even with red lights, siren, the stinger and hitting the high beams folks would still insist on being my (ahem) escort. I generally could tell who wasn't going to pull over and if a family member was riding up front I'd pre-warn them as to what was going to happen. Most of the time the passenger would ask me why they were not pulling over/stopping? Couldn't give them an answer. It's interesting to note that we had red lights for our POV (which really mean nothing in the scheme of things) and their use usually caused the driver in front of you to slow down and look in their rearview mirror to figure out what was going on. I ended up hardly using mine.
Mar 29, 2022 07:15:06 #
llamb wrote:
I watch a lot of police based television reality t... (show quote)
I am going back a lot of years but growing up in San Francisco, everyone pulled over. If you didn't they would run you over. Now I live in Sacramento and some do some don't. I always pull over!
Mar 29, 2022 07:21:36 #
Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. And thanks to the Firemen, Police Officers, EMS and others who risk everything for all of us.
~Lee
~Lee
Mar 29, 2022 07:43:45 #
llamb wrote:
I watch a lot of police based television reality t... (show quote)
Missouri:
I agree with pulling over to get out of the way law or no law, but what one be done when there is no place to go? no shoulder, a curb lane full of cars etc. Or you'er sitting at a red light and cross traffic can't see or hear the EV.
The thing that always scared the hell out of me was the driver who would just stopped in front of me.
Mar 29, 2022 08:19:52 #
In Miami many drivers are oblivious to emergency and rescue vehicles until they are almost pushed off the road.
Mar 29, 2022 08:29:05 #
llamb wrote:
I watch a lot of police based television reality t... (show quote)
Ontario, Canada- it’s the law! It’s called the “Move Over Law” up here. If you don’t move over for an emergency vehicle you can be charged under the Highway Traffic Act which could result in a fine of $400 to $2000. This not only includes emergency vehicles you meet while both are in motion and also those with flashing lights parked on the side of the road. In that case if you can’t move over (2 lane highway) then you must SLOW DOWN. Sadly these occurrences happen too often even with the law being quite well known by all drivers. Last year there were over 1700 of these charges made in Ontario.
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