Seattle Fire Department: Yield The Right Of Way To Lights And Sirens

Seattle WA

01 December, 2021

8:08 PM

Description

Press release from the Seattle Fire Department : William Mace December 1, 2021 The Seattle Fire Department responds to traffic incidents multiple times per day. And quite often, private vehicles do not yield the right of way when approached by emergency vehicles with lights and sirens. This can slow down emergency responders from getting to an emergency. Traveling emergency vehicles with lights and sirens: The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61.210 requires that "…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 such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer." This law also requires pedestrians to yield to emergency vehicles when they are responding to an incident. Here are a few recommended tips when driving: Emergency responders are taught to pass on the left side. This may mean that they are forced to move into on-coming traffic lanes, but lights and sirens make them highly visible to everyone, reducing the risk. Approaching parked emergency vehicles with lights and sirens: Once emergency vehicles arrive at an incident, such as a vehicle collision, they will park and continue to utilize their lights. RCW 46.61.212 requires drivers to approach an emergency scene with caution and, if reasonable, yield the right of way by changing lanes to the left. References: Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority References: Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority This press release was produced by the Seattle Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.