Seconds count in an emergency. Emergency vehicles use sirens and flashing lights for a faster response to the people who need help. All too often, first responders encounter drivers who either do not know what to do, or they panic; or they simply refuse to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle.Refusing to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle displaying red and/or blue emergency lights and/or a siren can result in a careless driving citation under Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-705.For the safety of first responders and to avoid being cited for failure to yield, remember this easy mantra: Pull to the right for sirens and lights.
- To avoid being surprised by an approaching emergency vehicle, always pay attention while driving. Watch the road ahead, check rearview and side mirrors regularly, and keep radio or audio systems inside the vehicle at a volume that allows the driver to hear sirens.
- Stay calm when faced with an approaching fire truck, ambulance or law enforcement vehicle running with emergency lights and sirens.
- Safely pull as far as possible to the right hand side of the road and come to a complete stop until all emergency vehicles have passed. Do not keep moving forward.
- Activate emergency flashers to alert other vehicles.
- Before pulling back into traffic, always check for additional emergency vehicles that may be following the first.
