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Cranbrook, BC (July 18, 2023) - Knowing the rules about the right-of-way for all emergency vehicles is extremely important and ensures emergency personnel can reach an incident as quickly and as safely as possible.  In any emergency, time is of the essence.

When you are driving always listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights, looking to see where the approaching emergency vehicle is coming from. Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights always have the right-of-way and all traffic moving in both directions must stop. 

“From a fire department perspective, we are increasingly experiencing challenges as we respond to calls throughout our community. Drivers often don’t notice the approaching emergency vehicles, or don’t know what to do when they do see us,” says Scott Driver, Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services.

Usually, the best thing is to pull over to the right using your turn signal and stop, remembering not to block intersections. All vehicles on both sides of the road must pull over to leave a clear path whenever an emergency vehicle uses its siren and flashing lights.  

“It’s really important that emergency vehicles are able to move through our community safely and efficiently,” says Driver, adding, “when we have our emergency lights and sirens on, we are asking for your support in delivering the much-needed services to our fellow community members.” 

(Courtesy: ICBC)