Emergency vehicles fulfill essential roles after automobile collisions and other emergencies. Ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks need to reach the scene quickly to help victims and keep other motorists safe. If you are unaware of the protocols when encountering emergency vehicles on the road, here are the guidelines and other tips car accident attorneys recommend. 

What Should You Do When Emergency Vehicles Are Approaching?

Always clear a path for emergency vehicles, regardless of which direction they are coming from. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind you, don't panic. Check if the space beside you is clear before pulling over. Slow down as you maneuver to the roadside, and stay there until all emergency vehicles have passed. 

Once it is safe to pull back onto the road, keep your car at least 500 feet away from moving emergency vehicles ahead that are sounding their sirens or flashing their lights. Tailing an emergency vehicle could lead to fines and other penalties. Also, keep in mind that emergency responders may not observe ordinary traffic laws when responding to an emergency, so be prepared to give way even when your light is green. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has used the acronym SIREN to help road users understand what to do in these situations. 

• Stay Alert: Listen to your surroundings and pay extra attention to the road.
• Investigate: Check both sides of your vehicle and look in your rearview mirror.
• React: Pull over to the side quickly while signaling.
• Enter: Re-enter the road carefully while signaling. Check all directions while merging onto the highway. 
• Never: Never pull over when there is not enough room. Also, do not try to pass an emergency vehicle or follow one too closely.

How Should You Drive Around Stopped Emergency Vehicles?

If you see a stopped emergency vehicle ahead, slow down. If you can, move to the next lane; otherwise, just proceed with caution.  In Alaska, if there is an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights activated, motorists are required to move out of the lane closest to where the emergency vehicle is stopped, unless such a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe. You must leave emergency responders as much space as possible so they can safely do their job at the scene and help save lives.

When you need a car accident attorney, turn to Burglin & Doxey, PC in Fairbanks, Alaska. Companies and residents throughout Alaska can look forward to receiving quality legal advice and representation when they connect with their seasoned lawyers. If you've been involved in a collision, don't delay calling (907) 456-4020 to speak with a reliable car accident attorney. Visit their website to send a message online, and follow them on Facebook for more updates.