When you see an emergency vehicle on the road, driving rules often stipulate that you're supposed to give way to the emergency vehicle. This often means that drivers will pull over to the side of the road or highway, however they can, so that the emergency vehicle can get through.

But what some people might not have known is that you can still run the risk of getting a ticket if they catch you pulling over for that emergency vehicle in the wrong way.

In the UK for example, drivers could face a fine up to $1000.

The reason that drivers might be fined is if they are caught moving their vehicle into a bus lane or stopping in an area that they otherwise wouldn't be permitted to etc. Other drivers might be punished if they run a red light in their effort to get out of the way of the emergency vehicle. Along with that fine they could also receive several penalty points on their driving record.

When seconds can make the difference between life or death, it seems nonsensical to punish someone for trying to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle, regardless of whether or not they've done so in the appropriate manner.

If they have managed to pull to the side of the road peacefully, then how does it serve the cause of justice to initiate violence against them?

Authorities say that drivers should be vigilant in looking out for fire engines, ambulances, police, and other emergency vehicles, that might need to pass.

They warn drivers that when you see such a vehicle approaching that you shouldn't panic. Ideally, they want you to pull over whilst still trying to obey every and all traffic signs. But if it really came down to peacefully pulling over to an area where they probably shouldn't, or neglecting to move and the emergency vehicle takes longer and as a result an individual (or several) loses their life, was that really the best decision to make?

If you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle you can get a ticket and in some areas you might even see jail time if you are caught on multiple occasions violating the rules of the road in attempting to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. Is that really what we need to reserve jails for today? to keep society safe from all those who try to accommodate an emergency vehicle in a manner that isn't fitting to the state? It seems like an overreach and an incredible waste of resources.

Pics:
Pixabay

Sources:
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/966402/Driving-law-fine-giving-way-ambulance-emergency-vehicle
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/highway-code-ambulance-cambridgeshire-fine-14717755
https://www.wheels.ca/news/do-you-know-about-the-move-over-law/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/do-i-move-right-or-left-for-an-emergency-vehicle-to-pass-in-the-hov-lane/article22640466/

You Might Face A Fine If You Pull Over For An Emergency Vehicle

In the UK for example, drivers could face a fine up to $1000.

If they have managed to pull to the side of the road peacefully, then how does it serve the cause of justice to initiate violence against them?

Authorities say that drivers should be vigilant in looking out for fire engines, ambulances, police, and other emergency vehicles, that might need to pass.