A new state law went into effect this month adding some requirements for motorists to yield to emergency vehicles.
The new law requires motorists to decrease speed and, if it is reasonably safe to do so, “ … drive in a lane not adjacent to where the emergency vehicle is stopped.” That is, if a police car or other emergency vehicle is parked on the right shoulder, a car approaching from behind should move into the left lane if there are multiple lanes in that direction of travel, decrease speed and proceed with caution.
If it is a two-lane road with oncoming traffic and it is not safe to move into the oncoming traffic lane, the statute change requires the driver to decrease his or her speed to one that is “…reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.”
The old state law said that upon the approach of an emergency vehicle displaying flashing emergency lights and/or giving [an] audible signal by siren, whistle or bell, motorists should yield the right of way” and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.”
“It is a matter of officer safety and will also better ensure the safety of passing motorists,” said Denny Armstrong of Emergency Management and Response (EMR).
The possible traffic fine for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is $50. The added fine for not obeying the new section of the statute is $25.
