• September 04, 2018 /
• Driving License Study /
• By admin /
• 0 Comments

When driving, every time I hear a siren of an approaching emergency vehicle, I do what I think I’m supposed to do: slow down, get out of the way, stop… But is it exactly what I’m supposed to do? And if so, aren’t other drivers doing the same? Someone is not following the rules. Do YOU know exactly what to do when you hear a siren of an emergency vehicle? Here’s a little refresher:

The driver of a vehicle shall: 

Yield the right of way:

1. Immediately drive to a position parallel to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection
2. Stay stopped until emergency vehicle has passed.
3. The driver of a vehicle shall NOT follow any fire apparatus closer than 500 feet
4. A driver shall maintain a distance of at least three hundred (300) feet behind a police vehicle.

Have you heard of the Move Over Law?  ARS 28-775 states:

If a person who drives a vehicle approaches a stationary vehicle and the stationary vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing lights or is displaying warning lights, the person shall do either of the following:

a. If on a highway having at least four lanes with at least two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle, proceed with due caution and if possible, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle.

b. If changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions.

Reading all of that might seem like a lot, but it is important to remember the rules for everyone’s safety!

 

TIP: Make sure you always check your surroundings (use your mirrors!) as well as don’t make your music too loud (that way you can actually hear the siren).

Don’t think it’s unsafe? Check out this video:

 

Need a refresher on the rules on Arizona roads? Sign up for our Defensive Driving Class or take some driving lessons with on of our certified instructors. That will not only help you be safer on the road, but might also help lower your insurance rate! Call us today to sign up for classes!