Dear Cop - Emergency Vehicle

Could you inform the public on the procedure of what to do when an emergency vehicle comes up behind you with it's lights and siren on. I have noticed a lot of people are not pulling over and stopping.

Thank you for asking this question. I can't count how many times I have been traveling down a roadway with my lights and siren on and have seen some horrendous driving behaviors. This is a great frustration for all operators of emergency vehicles when using their emergency equipment and drivers of vehicles just ignore the approaching siren(s).

Approach of emergency vehicle
Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that on the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle giving an audible signal by a bell, siren or exhaust whistle, and showing a visible flashing red light, except when otherwise directed by a peace officer, a driver must yield the right of way, and immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the nearest edge or curb of the roadway, clear of an intersection, and stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed.

The best way to drive when an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind or towards your location is to pull over to the right side of the roadway and come to a stop.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

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