Ten important questions & answers every motorist should know about
emergency vehicles to become a more knowledgeable driver.
Produced by the Madison Fire Department in
cooperation with AAA Wisconsin
Q. What steps should drivers take to ensure they
can hear the approach of an emergency vehicle?
A. When windows are closed, drivers should remain
alert for flashing lights by looking in their rear view mirrors.
Radio or stereo systems should be set at a level that allows sirens
or horns to be heard. Cellular phone users should concentrate on
safely operating the vehicle and maintain an awareness of their
surroundings. Motorists with cellular phones should use hands-free
features, such as speaker phone and voice dialing, or have a
passenger dial the call.
Q. Should motorists stop when they see or hear
an emergency vehicle approaching with emergency lights and siren
operating?
A. Yes. Wisconsin law states the following:
"Upon the approach of any emergency vehicle giving audible
signal by siren, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the
right-of-way by pulling to the right-hand side of the roadway until
the emergency vehicle has passed.?
Q. What should drivers do on a multi-lane road
when being approached from behind by an emergency vehicle?
A. Wisconsin law (State Statute 346.19) states that
operators of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately
drive their vehicle to a position as near as possible and parallel to the
right curb or right-hand edge of the shoulder of the roadway, clear of any
intersections and unless otherwise directed by a traffic officer, shall
stop and remain standing in such a position until the authorized emergency
vehicle has passed. In general, on a multi-lane road most emergency
vehicles will be approaching from the left lane. The best option is
for operators to slow their vehicles down and move to the right lanes.
If you can't move to the right because of traffic, we ask that you slow
down and move to the right as far as possible so that the emergency
vehicles can safely pass using the median lanes on the left side of the
roadway. Highways such as the Beltline are very dangerous
because drivers do not slow down and in some cases operators actually try
to pass the emergency vehicles...this is never acceptable, please slow
down! In many cases, emergency vehicles, because of their size
and mass, as well as for safety, cannot go much faster than 70 mph.
This doesn't mean that if you typically drive 65-80 mph you should try to
pass the emergency vehicle to get ahead of them! Again, slow down
and pull over to the right!
On rare occasions on a multi-lane road, an emergency
vehicle may be approaching in the far right lane. If this occurs,
use common sense by slowing down and moving out of the pathway of the
emergency vehicle so that they can safely proceed ahead. Always use common sense when
driving on a multi-lane road.
Q. When drivers approach an emergency vehicle
scene, what precautions should they take?
A. Do not make the emergency scene worse. Drivers
should maintain a safe driving speed, keep their eyes on the road
and follow directions from authorized personnel. Be aware that other
emergency vehicles may be approaching the scene.
Q. At a fire scene, can motorists drive over a
fire hose stretched across the street?
A. No, unless a fire department official gives
them permission.
Q. What should drivers be aware of when
approaching a fire station?
A. Upon approaching a fire station, motorists
should be aware that fire department vehicles may be entering the
street responding to a call for help. If this happens to you -- STOP
- and allow the emergency vehicle or vehicles to proceed.
Q. Is it illegal to follow an emergency vehicle
too closely when the warning lights and siren are operating?
A. YES. A driver should not follow an authorized
emergency vehicle responding to a call or alarm closer than 500
feet. Also, a driver should not park his or her vehicle within 300
of fire department vehicles that have stopped at an emergency scene.
Q. Do pedestrians have the right-of-way over an
emergency vehicle responding with lights and siren operating?
A. NO. Pedestrians should remain on the sidewalk
and wait until the emergency vehicle has passed. Pedestrians should
always exercise caution and be aware of their safety.
Q. While responding to a call for help, what
can emergency vehicles do that motorists cannot?
A. An operator of an emergency vehicle must have
warning lights and siren operating to do the following: Exceed the
speed limit, proceed through stop signs and stop lights, travel in
opposing traffic lanes, and drive the wrong way on a one-way street.
While emergency vehicles can disregard traffic laws, operators must
drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using roadways.
Q. When an emergency vehicle is approaching me
on a divided highway, do drivers have to pull to the right and stop?
A. NO, because the road is separated by a barrier
or median. Occasionally an emergency vehicle may travel in the wrong
direction on a divided highway. If this occurs, reduce your speed,
yield the right of way and proceed cautiously.
To obtain an additional copy of this brochure,
stop by any of the ten City of Madison Fire Stations, or send a
self-addressed stamped business-size envelope to:
Emergency Vehicles
AAA Wisconsin
8030 Excelsior Drive
Madison, WI 53717-1939
Attn: Public and Government Relations
AAA Wisconsin, affiliated with the American
Automobile Association (AAA), is a not-for-profit motor club
offering travel, insurance, financial and auto-related service to
more than 504,000 members statewide through 13 office locations.
Permission to quote from or reproduce material
in this publication is granted with acknowledgments.
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