Grande Prairie Enforcement Services is encouraging drivers to be mindful of the rules of the road when it comes to pulling over for emergency vehicles.
Drivers are reminded that a fire truck, police vehicle, or ambulance with its siren on always maintains the right of way over all other vehicles, and GPES says it is critical for commuters to be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to act.
Community Peace Officer Sergeant Bransen Balfour says while emergency vehicle operators are trained to navigate the roads safely, it is “imperative” that road users pull over to allow emergency crews to get to where they need to be safely and efficiently.
“Any individual that is operating an emergency vehicle in any capacity understands that the average driver may panic or hesitate when they see an emergency vehicle with its lights or siren activated,” he says. “We expect this and train consistently to ensure that we are driving in a capacity that is safe for both our staff and the public. It is imperative that drivers understand that it is their job to pull over safely and to the right side of the road.”
In an effort to educate Grande Prairie drivers, GPES has issued a few steps to take when you see an emergency vehicle to keep yourself, and emergency crews safe on the roads.
According to GPES, a driver should immediately pull over as close as possible to the curb, typically on the right side of the road, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Once the emergency vehicle has passed and it is clear no other emergency vehicles are approaching, drivers are asked to be courteous and allow those ahead of them to enter traffic first.
GPES emphasizes that drivers should never drive within 150 metres of an emergency vehicle with its lights or siren on.
Additionally, enforcement services says drivers have an obligation to immediately pull over when stopped by a law enforcement officer and be mindful that the officer can direct them to a better location if where they stopped is unsafe.
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle carries a $405 fine, and Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act dictates that the fine for failing to stop immediately for a peace officer is $243.
