Knowing the Law Around Emergency Vehicles
- Published: June 2011
Summer is here and everyone wants to get out and enjoy the weather. This means more vehicles on the road, but also more breakdowns and collisions leading to additional emergency responders on the roads doing their job.
One of the most serious problems with traffic collisions or vehicle breakdowns is the risk of a secondary collision involving emergency response personnel or equipment being struck by passing motorists. In Alberta, emergency vehicles include: ambulance, rescue, police, firefighters, tow trucks and public utility. The Alberta Traffic Safety Act requires drivers to slow down to 60 km/h, or less if the posted speed is lower, when they approach emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.
Motorists approaching a broken down vehicle or emergency scene can follow these suggestions to keep themselves, the public and emergency responders safe:
- Look well ahead and be prepared to slow down and if possible change lanes when you see a disabled vehicle on or near the highway. You never know when someone may step out of a broken down vehicle onto the highway without looking first.
- Look at least 15 to 20 seconds ahead and be prepared to slow down when you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road with its lights flashing. The law requires you to slow to 60 km/h or less in the adjacent lane.
- Move as far away from the emergency scene as possible. Always leave ample space between your vehicle and emergency vehicles stopped at the scene.
- Scan for the movement of other people around the scene and be aware that the vehicle ahead of you may stop unexpectedly.
- Focus on driving and avoid being distracted by the emergency scene.
- Follow directions given by workers directing traffic at the scene.
- Always be patient and drive to conditions. Speeding past emergency zones puts yourself and others at risk. Remember that the fine for speeding in these areas will be doubled.
