we all know that getting to the fire can be just as dangerous as fighting the fire. and as far as i know, there is no real law that a civilain car needs to get out of the way for emergency responce vehicles, so i ask you this, does your town or city do anything about this issue? have a set law? cameras in the firetruck to record on route calls?
EDIT 1/9/09
How do you feel about drivers that dont move to the side? what do you do? do you take action yourself or do you just sit behind them honking your horn?
It is not a law but you are requesting permission for the driver to move over. However that said we believe in what we do and helping others and I know if it was their family they would want us to assist as quickly as possible.
The LAWS are in the ORC Ohio Revised Code. The penalties for those are usually mandated by the court or the judge or the police department in the jurisdiction. Thus far I haven't been able to find anything specificly stating what those penalties are for not following the laws other than that they are citable offences.
In wisconsin, when lights (red or red/white) and sirens are used, the vehicle becomes an emergency vehicle. we still stop at stop signs and red lights, and then proceed through them with caution. If only a light is used, then that person is only asking for permission to have the right of way. people dont have to pull over for you without a siren. most people on our small town will.
Its like drving the big red trucks through town with the lights and sirens going, there is always gonna be 1 or 2 people that somehow cant see the big ass truck right behind them.
Everyone take care and be safe out there!
no law, but most ppl move out of the way for us... we really dont have a prob with people not movin....but when i am in my car on the way to the station, that is a differ story...even with my blue light...lots of ppl still move but not a few... but esp in ur car all u car do is follow the laws...
Here in GA its state law for a car to yield and pull to the right to any emergency vehicle passing, ALTHOUGHT alot of people do not understand or are not even aware of this law and tend to just stop were they are or even pull to the left. It absolutely drives me CRAZY! But all we can do is make a whole lot of noise and try our BEST to pass as carefully as possible to the LEFT. Sometimes I'm obligated to pass on the right as much as it bothers me.
It IS a law in New York State...that one must yield right of way to Emergency vehicles from either direction....whether it is enforced or not depends on out friends in Blue....we have enough to worry about with the Fire/MVA/EMS call........Paul