Safety Tips: Move Aside for Emergency and Disabled Vehicles

To help prevent these accidents, Florida law requires drivers to Move Over when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights. This law applies to:

• Fire rescue vehicles
• Law enforcement vehicles
• Ambulances
• Tow trucks
• Utility service vehicles
• Disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights

If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down significantly. The law also applies to pedestrians, who must stop and yield the right-of-way until emergency vehicles have completely passed.

Florida’s Halo Law also requires drivers to maintain a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders actively working at an emergency scene.

Many drivers fail to notice emergency vehicles until they are dangerously close. Modern cars block out exterior noise, and loud sound systems can make sirens nearly impossible to hear. However, the cell phone is the biggest distraction on today’s roads. A moment of inattention can put lives at risk.

Follow these steps to ensure a clear and safe path for emergency responders:

• Keep the volume down. Avoid playing your radio so loud that you can’t hear sirens or horns
• Be extra cautious at intersections. If you hear sirens while approaching an intersection, stop before entering and check all directions. Never block an intersection
• Look and react early. Check your mirrors if you hear sirens but don’t see the emergency vehicle. If it is approaching from behind, do not panic—signal your intention and carefully move toward the nearest edge of the road
• Move over and stop. Once safely out of the way, come to a complete stop and remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed
• Do not follow emergency vehicles. Chasing or using an emergency vehicle to bypass traffic is illegal and extremely dangerous. These vehicles often make sudden stops and turns
• Remember what’s at stake. It may be frustrating to stop when you’re in a hurry, but emergency responders are racing to save lives. One day, it could be you or someone you love waiting for help to arrive

By remaining vigilant, obeying traffic laws, and providing emergency vehicles with the space they require, you help protect first responders and ensure they can reach those in need as quickly as possible.