Watch for Emergency Vehicles

EMERGENCY

Everyday, police fire and ambulance vehicles respond to urgent calls.  Precious time lost getting there could mean the difference between life and death.

WHAT TO DO

On a multi-lane highway (max. 100km/h speed limit)

Slow down, signal and move to the right. If possible, pull as close as you can to the right side of the roadway and stop when safe to do so. Do not move onto the shoulder.

On a two-lane road

Signal and move to the right. Pull as close as possible to the right edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop.

On a one-way street

Signal and pull to the right or the left side of the street, clear of any intersection, and stop.

At intersections

Traffic in an intersection or approaching from all directions must yield to an emergency vehicle until it passes through the intersection. Never block the intersection. Do not make a left turn if an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind. In this situation, the motorist should proceed straight through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop.

Take lights and sirens seriously. Pull to the right and stop. It’s the law.

REMEMBER…

• Stay alert. Avoid distractions. Keep the noise level down in your vehicle.
• Use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over. Check your rear-view mirrors, look in front and on both sides of your vehicle.
• Do not drive on or block the shoulder on freeways. Wait for the emergency vehicle(s) to pass. Check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic.
• It is illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres.
  
  

Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act requires motorists when approaching a police, fire or ambulance vehicle stopped with its red lights flashing in the same direction of travel, either in a lane or on the shoulder of the road, to slow down and pass with caution. If the road has two or more lanes the motorist must move over into another lane, if it can be done safely.

First Offence - $400 to $2,000, plus 3 demerit points upon conviction

Second Offence (within 5 years) - $1,000 to $4,000, possible jail time up to 6 months and possible suspension of driver’s licence for up to 2 years.