Idaho Law Blog
How often on a congested interstate do you hear sirens approaching, and then see the emergency lights approach from behind your vehicle? When an emergency vehicle approaches on a busy freeway, what should drivers do to respond in a safe and lawful manner?
Idaho Code §42-625 reads as follows: “(1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency or police vehicle making use of an audible or visible signal, meeting the requirements of section 49-623, Idaho Code, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the nearest edge or curb of the highway lawful for parking and clear of any intersection, and stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency or police vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a peace officer.”
You must pull over and STOP even on the freeway, not just slow down. Even though it may be tough to pull to the right in traffic congestion, emergency personnel have been trained to stay to the left of traffic. If you are unable to pull to the right due to other vehicles, then stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes by. Dangerous situations can develop for you, other drivers, and the emergency personnel.
National highway safety statistics show that thousands of fatalities occur each year in police car related crashes. Emergency vehicles have the right of way; however, that does not excuse them from the duty of exercising due care and caution while responding to an emergency, such as a car crash. Sub-section (2) of Idaho Code 42-625 states: “This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency or police vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.”
Special considerations and requirements are at issue when an ambulance, police car, or fire truck are involved in a collision. If you have been injured in an accident involving an emergency vehicle, call the experienced, skilled personal injury lawyers at Racine Olson at 208-232-6101.
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