That is the key that a lot of people dont understand. So many people just immediately freak out when they see flashing lights or hear sirens and then immediately stop in very unsafe road conditions with other people barreling up behind them.
People need to have common sense.
If people would educate themselves more with how to handle emergency vehicles then I do believe we could save lives and prevent severe accidents. Common sense should apply but it tends to go out the window.
Ive been in so many situations where someone totally freaks out and basically slams on their brakes even in heavy fast traffic. I have had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting people that do that and then I almost get rear ended too.
Its not how its supposed to be handled. You are supposed to calmly but quickly move over and stop as soon as its safe to do so. I am pretty sure LE does not want us to wreck someone in the process. LOL
People are so afraid they will be ticketed or something. I can assure you the emergency vehicle is not out to ticket people in those situations. They just want to get where they are going alive and safe.
This is from Ontarios driver handbook. I do see why people get confused. On one hand they say immediately stop but further down we see to take the time you need to do it safely.
Its no wonder people get confused. There is a huge need to have these instructions rewritten to be perfectly clear for people. Some public service announcements would be really good for this.
From the handbook lets look at the contradictions and making it more confusing than it needs to be. How about just saying to use common sense to slow down and stop as quickly and safely as you can. The End.
"When an emergency vehicle is approaching your vehicle from any direction with its flashing red or red and blue lights, or siren or bell sounding,
you are required to bring your vehicle to an immediate stop."
"Use extreme caution when stopping your vehicle because other drivers may not yet be aware of or are already reacting to the approaching emergency vehicle. Look to the front, both sides and toward the rear of your vehicle,
signal your intention to pull over well in advance and begin to adjust your vehicles speed to merge with any traffic to the side you are pulling to. Once you have moved your vehicle to the side,
brake gradually as required and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Avoid any sudden changes in direction or excessive braking and be aware of any vehicles approaching fast to the rear of your vehicle."
"If you are in an intersection and preparing to make a turn when an emergency vehicle is approaching,
you should abandon the turn and clear the intersection by proceeding straight when safe to do so, then pull to the right and stop."
"React quickly but calmly. Dont slam on the brakes or pull over suddenly. Use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over."
"Pull to the right and gradually come to a stop."
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.10.11.shtml
