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Is it OK to go through a red light to clear a path for an emergency vehicle?

If I am stopped at a red light and an emergency vehicle comes up behind me with lights and siren activated, is it OK to pull into the intersection to clear a path for it?

Now when I say pull into the intersection, I don't mean blindly pulling in front of cross traffic without looking. I mean slowly inching outwards and to the side if possible.

4 Answers

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    If you are completely blocking the intersection, that is what you MUST do. the law says that you must yield to emergency vehicles (Cops, Fire trucks and ambulances). You pull to right and stop so they can pass safely. If YOU are all that is blocking the intersection, the only way they can get through is for you to move. If that means safely making a "right on red" to let them pass you, that is the right move. Starlord must have been a deputy out in the sticks where they don't have big city grid lock. If nobody moved through red light in the city, no cops would ever get through.

  • 9 years ago

    No. The driver of the emergency vehicle has special training and driving privileges that you do not have. If you are moving, they do not know what you are going to do. They do not want you moving around. they are trained to get around any obstructions, but do not wish to be distracted by another vehicle. Just stay where you are. Hypothetical situation: Busy intersection, and here comes an ambulance, running code. Suddenly, everyone pulls into the intersection, thinking they are clearing a path, when what they are really doing is creating the world's biggest traffic jam.

    Source(s): Former deputy sheriff/corporal
  • 9 years ago

    If safe to do so, and would help clear a path. Many drivers do this, and make the situation worse as they end up blocking the path intended by the EMT.

  • 9 years ago

    Yes, if you can do so safely.

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