Pull Over? Stop? Do You Know The Law When An Ambulance Is Approaching In Texas?
Just witnessed it. An ambulance is approaching us here on the streets of Texas. The car in front of me just plain STOPPED in the middle of the road. I moved over to the side and the car behind me just slowed down but kept going. Three different actions to what is supposed to be known by all drivers in Texas, right? So, what does the law say about an emergency vehicle approaching you on the streets? What do you do?
<h2><em>• IF AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE IS APPROACHING YOU WITH FLASHING LIGHTS ON</em></h2>
<img class="size-630scaled wp-image-334618" src="https://townsquare.media/site/523/files/2023/02/attachment-RS9732_118616122.jpg?w=630&h=418&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89" alt="118616122" width="630" height="418" /> Tracy Fox
If an emergency vehicle is approaching you with flashing lights on according to Sec 545.156 of the Texas Transportation Code...you need to <strong>PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT as much as you can and STOP</strong> until it passes. It <a href="https://casetext.com/statute/texas-codes/transportation-code/title-7-vehicles-and-traffic/subtitle-c-rules-of-the-road/chapter-545-operation-and-movement-of-vehicles/subchapter-d-right-of-way/section-545156-vehicle-approached-by-authorized-emergency-vehicle#:~:text=Section%20545.156%20%2D%20Vehicle%20Approached%20By%20Authorized%20Emergency%20Vehicle%20(a),visual%20signal%2C%20an%20operator%2C%20unless">reads like this..</a>.
<blockquote>Sec. 545.156. Vehicle Approached by Authorized Emergency Vehicle (a) On the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or of a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible signal, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall: (1) yield the right-of-way; (2) immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the righthand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection; and (3) stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.</blockquote>
So yes, whether an ambulance is approaching you from behind or in front of you, slow down, pull over to the right, and STOP until the vehicle passes.
<h2><em>• WHAT IF THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE IS AHEAD OF YOU PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD? </em></h2>
<img class="size-630scaled wp-image-334620" src="https://townsquare.media/site/523/files/2023/02/attachment-RS24377_GettyImages-145997531.jpeg?w=630&h=419&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89" alt="Emergency Vehicles" width="630" height="419" /> pkazmercyk
The Move Over or Slow Down law from <a href="https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/move-over-or-slow-down.html#:~:text=This%20law%20requires%20drivers%20to,lights%20activated%20on%20the%20roadside">Tx Dot states...</a>
<blockquote>This law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, utility service vehicles, TxDOT vehicles or other highway construction or maintenance vehicles using visual signals or flashing lights activated on the roadside. On roadways with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, drivers must reduce their speed to 5 miles per hour (Texas Transportation Code 545.157).</blockquote>
<h2><em>• MORE TEX DOT DRIVING SAFETY TIPS AND LAWS</em></h2>
<img class="size-630scaled wp-image-334625" src="https://townsquare.media/site/523/files/2023/02/attachment-RS47865_GettyImages-11853640771.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89" alt="Ambulance" width="630" height="420" /> MattGush
You can find more tips and driving laws here at the <a href="https://www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws.html">Tex Dot Website. </a>
Stay safe and let's look out for one another on Texas roads!
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