Passing Emergency Vehicles and Tow Trucks

Although the law has been in place in Alberta for more than four years, it seems that many company drivers are still confused when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights on.

In Alberta, emergency vehicles include: ambulance, rescue, police, firefighters, tow trucks and public utility.

Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, if the lights on stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks are flashing, drivers in the lane closest must slow down to 60 km/h or less.

Drivers who are travelling in the opposite direction or passing emergency vehicles that are not displaying flashing lights.do not need to slow down when travelling in lanes that are not next to the emergency vehicle. 

Be proactive

Having said this, be proactive, look well ahead and when passing stopped emergency vehicles, change lanes if possible, slow down, leave lots of space between yourself, emergency personnel and equipment parked at the scene.

Scan for the movement of other personnel around the scene and be aware that the vehicle ahead of you may stop unexpectedly.

Failure to slow down when passing emergency vehicles will result in double speed fines. 

Tips for emergency situations

If your vehicle breaks down, here are some tips to help you deal safely with the situation:

• Activate hazard lights immediately, keep calm and pull off the road on to the far right shoulder if possible, try to get away from travelled lanes.
• As it can be very dangerous, never stop on a bridge or in a tunnel.
• Stop on the centre median only if you have no other options. If you must stop there, ensure the vehicle is as far as possible off the travelled lanes.
• Follow your company policy for vehicle break down. eg: raise your hood, set flares or reflective triangles behind the vehicle.
• If you have a cellular phone, use it to call for assistance.
• Always be cautious when someone approaches to help, if needed, ask this person to contact the police or a tow truck.