Yield. It's the Law
Emergency responders put their lives on the line every day. They
face dangers beyond the injury scene. Drivers who fail to yield to
emergency vehicles or follow too closely endanger the lives of
responders and countless others.
According to Oklahoma law, when an emergency vehicle activates
its lights and sirens, drivers are to yield by pulling to the right
and stopping. The emergency unit is then able to pass unimpeded in
the left lane. Emergency vehicles are authorized to drive in excess
of the posted speed limit, drive in opposite/oncoming lanes of
traffic and proceed cautiously through red traffic lights to reach
scenes quickly.
Most drivers in Tulsa usually yield when they see a fire truck
approaching. EMSA medics, however, report at least one close call
(due to unyielding drivers) each week.
Failing to give emergency vehicles proper berth endangers the
lives of:
- Emergency responders
- The unyielding driver and his passengers
- Patients/victims who may be in an ambulance
- Other drivers/pedestrians
- Patients needing emergency assistance
When an ambulance is involved in an accident, patients must wait
longer than usual for emergency care. Even when an ambulance driver
is able to avert an accident, traffic tie-ups caused by unyielding
drivers delay response times.