When you see an emergency vehicle approaching do you immediately pull over and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass? Many people are unsure of what exactly they must do when an emergency vehicle approaches. Moreover, in some instances drivers fail to even see emergency vehicles, neglect to yield and end up actually slowing down the emergency vehicles.
Emergency vehicles in New York are vital to the protection of its citizens and need to be seen and respected. An emergency vehicle may be a police cruiser, ambulance or fire truck - they are easily identified by their red and white flashing lights. Hindering these vehicles when they are responding to emergencies may put the life of someone who is relying on their quick arrival in jeopardy.
Driving Tips
New York law requires that all drivers must yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle when it approaches with lights and siren activated.
- If the emergency vehicle approaches you from the rear, you must move to the right hand edge of the road. Make sure that you are not obstructing any intersections. Then stop and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass.
- Similarly when an emergency vehicle comes toward you, remember that you must still yield the right-of-way. You need to move to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- Once the emergency vehicle has passed, look carefully behind you for any other vehicles that may also be getting back on the roadway.
If you are approached by vehicles with flashing blue lights (volunteer firefighter), green lights (volunteer ambulance driver) or amber lights (hazard vehicle), you do not need to yield the right-of-way. These vehicles are also responding to an emergency situation or involved in a hazardous activity, such as snow removal. However, as a courtesy you should yield for vehicles with blue or green flashing lights, if you can do so safely.
Rear-End Accidents
An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study found that 18 percent of urban car crashes occurred when a vehicle that was stopped, or in the process of stopping, was struck from the rear. There are drivers on the road who do not know the rules or fail to see the emergency vehicle. These distracted drivers can cause rear-end accidents as the risk of this type of accident is higher when you are slowing and stopping for an emergency vehicle.
A negligence suit can be brought against a driver who rear-ends another car by failing to take appropriate action as an emergency vehicle approaches. Even if you have to stop abruptly to yield to an emergency vehicle, the car following you may still be liable if they rear-end your car. A negligent driver should be held responsible especially when failing to pay adequate attention for emergency vehicles on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of being rear-ended by another vehicle, contact an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in your area to be advised of your rights and options.
![[picture of] Daniel A. Kalish](/design/images/attorneyPic.jpg)
