The volunteers of Leonia Volunteer Ambulance Corps have written and compiled some useful information to help you know what to do in case of an emergency, or to assist responding emergency personnel.

Make way for Emergency Vehicles

Police, fire, and ambulance vehicles responding to urgent calls should be given the right of way by law. Do you know what to do if you see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens on: a multi-lane highway? a one-way street? or at an intersection?

Seconds can save ... get out of the way!

Every minute of every day, drivers of emergency vehicles are faced with the challenge of getting to the scene of an emergency as quickly and as safely as possible. Precious time lost can mean the difference between life and death for someone waiting for help. When an emergency vehicle turns on the lights and sirens, the situation is serious. You can make their job easier and help save a life by following these simple road rules. Learn them. Know them by heart.
While driving, you should always pay close attention to the traffic around you and be ready to respond to changing traffic conditions. This includes regularly checking your rearview mirror. Stay alert and avoid being distracted. Keep the noise level down inside your vehicle, so you can hear any approaching emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on. And when you do...

PULL TO THE RIGHT AND STOP

...it's the law for any driver who sees and hears an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction to get out of the way.

Here's how you should respond...

On a multi-lane highway - where there is a max 60m/h speed limit.
• Slow down, signal and move to right.
• If possible, pull as close as you can to the right side of the highway and stop when it is safe to do so.
• Watch for other vehicles that may also have to move across lanes of traffic to yield the right of way.
• Do not move onto the shoulder.

On a two-lane road
• Signal and move to the right.
• Pull as close to the right edge of the road and clear of any intersection.

On a one-way street
• Signal and pull to the right or the left side of the street
• Be sure that you are clear of any intersection.
• Stop.

At intersections
• All traffic at an intersection, approaching from any direction, must yield to an emergency vehicle until it passes through the intersection.
• Never block the intersection.
• Do not make a left turn if an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind. Instead, proceed straight through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop.

And remember to react quickly and safely. Don't slam on the brakes or pull over suddenly. Use your signals to alert other drivers that you intend to pull over. Check your rear and side view mirrors for other vehicles, and look in front and on both sides of your vehicle. Allow other vehicles to also pull over. Pull to the right and gradually come to a stop.

Wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and watch for more than one emergency vehicle. Check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic.

Don't drive on or block the shoulder on highways. Emergency vehicles will use the shoulder of the road if all lanes are blocked, such as is often the case in traffic jams.

Never follow or try to outrun an emergency vehicle. It is illegal (and dangerous) to follow an ambulance, paramedic unit, fire vehicle or police unit responding to a call within 300 feet in any lane going in the same direction.

Volunteers use flashing blue or red lights when using their own vehicles to respond to their headquarters. Although not required by law, courteous drivers, please yield the right of way!!