What Should You Do When an Emergency Vehicle Approaches?

Emergency Vehicles

When you hear a siren or see the flashing red lights of an emergency vehicle, it's important to react calmly and predictably. Although most drivers know they should pull over, many are uncertain about exactly where to stop or whether they should continue driving slowly along the shoulder.

Section 177 of British Columbia's Motor Vehicle Act requires drivers to immediately move to a position parallel with and as close as possible to the nearest edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and stop when an emergency vehicle is approaching while displaying flashing red lights and sounding a siren. You must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

What If You're Already in an Intersection?

If you have already entered an intersection when the emergency vehicle approaches, continue through the intersection before pulling over. Stopping in the middle of an intersection can block the emergency vehicle's path and create an even greater hazard.

Where Should You Stop?

The law requires you to pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway. On most roads that will be the right-hand edge. However, on divided highways, if you are travelling in the left-hand lane, the nearest edge is to the left. Otherwise, it will generally be to the right. Always signal your intentions so the emergency vehicle driver knows where you are going.

Stop and Stay Stopped

Pulling onto the shoulder and continuing to drive slowly is generally not enough. Unless directed otherwise by a police officer, you are required to stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Remember that emergency vehicles often travel in groups. Before moving back into traffic, check carefully to make sure that all emergency vehicles have passed.

Don't Confuse This With the Slow Down, Move Over Law

This requirement is different from British Columbia's Slow Down, Move Over law. The Slow Down, Move Over law applies when you are approaching a stopped official vehicle displaying flashing lights. Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act applies when an emergency vehicle is approaching while displaying flashing red lights and sounding a siren.

Reference

Approach of Emergency Vehicle – Section 177, Motor Vehicle Act