Emergency Vehicles

What to Do if Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching

• The Steuben County Office of Emergency Services reminds motorists that the law requires they pull to the right-hand curb to allow fire and emergency vehicles to pass. Failure to do so can result in serious accidents and delays in emergency response times.
• When you hear sirens or see red lights, pull to the right side of the road and stop. Look first before moving again.
• If you are at an intersection, sit tight.
• Following an emergency vehicle seems exciting, but, in reality, it is dangerous both to the emergency personnel and to you. Emergency vehicles often need to stop suddenly and someone following too close could become involved in an accident. Emergency personnel could also become injured when attempting to get out of their vehicles to attend to the incident scene.
• Please heed warnings posted on the rear of many fire engines which states that vehicles following them should be at least 500 feet behind them.
• If you are a pedestrian and hear sirens, stay on the curb. Do not step into the street, even after the emergency vehicle has passed, there may be more following at a distance. Keep children close to you. They may try to dart out to see the approaching fire truck of an ambulance.