This morning I was driving down a busy four-lane street when I saw an emergency vehicle with its lights and siren on coming from the opposite direction. As soon as I saw it I pulled over. Sounds simple, right? Isn’t that what you’re legally supposed to do, not to mention morally? I did not slam on my breaks, I signaled before I stopped, but apparently I was alone. Cars were passing me looking at me as if to say, “What the hell are you doing?” Granted the truck was two traffic lights away, but it wasn’t like it was a mile away. Were these drivers in that much of a hurry? A few seconds later it turned left at the light I was two cars away from and everyone did finally stop. An ambulance came next and as the light turned green I actually wondered if the cars around me were going to let the ambulance (with lights and sirens on) go first.
I pull over as soon as I see and hear the sirens. My rationale is simple: That’s what I would want all drivers to do if I were the one in need of the emergency vehicle’s services. I strive (and like to think those who know me would say I succeed) in living my life doing “the right thing” for the simple reason that it’s the right thing to do. I have witnessed cars continue driving obliviously when near emergency vehicles, even prohibiting them from going through intersections.
I am blessed/lucky to have never needed the service of an ambulance but if I do I hope it is given the right of way on its way to help me. You never know where they’re going to turn or even really how fast they are approaching.
So, I ask you, when do you pull over when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from either behind or toward you?
