P.S.A.: The Opposing Lane Must Stop, Too!!

Public Service Announcement from the AAFD:

PA Title 75
§ 3325. Duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle.
(a) General rule.--Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle making use of an audible signal and visual signals meeting the requirements and standards set forth in regulations adopted by the department, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer or an appropriately attired person authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic.

While responding to a vehicle crash on Route 228, we witnessed some very poor and plain ignorant driving. While responding in emergency mode, a driver directly in front of use would not yield, yet continued on overtaking the six vehicles in front of him who did yield, only to be forced to move over at the red light. Now, we see this all the time, so we are prepared for and respond cautiously to it. It is still illegal and dangerous.

After this occurred, a vehicle in the opposing lane properly yielded, pulling her vehicle to the right and stopping so we may have more room to maneuver and proceed. The problem was the two vehicles following her who proceeded to overtake the stopped vehicle, thus narrowing our lane to proceed.

We are seeing this more and more, especially on Route 228. Drivers that pull over when an emergency vehicle utilizing audible and visual warning systems approaches from the opposite direction are being safe drivers. They are also obeying the law. We do not want to extricate a driver, especially in a collision with us! They will not win, and that selfish extra 30 seconds isn’t worth it!

Please help us help you, and your neighbors or loved ones. Obey the law and pull over for approaching emergency vehicles in ANY and ALL directions!