Las Cruces police are reminding motorists to yield, or make room, for emergency vehicles.
Police and fire personnel risk their lives every day maneuvering through traffic and responding to emergency calls. As part of being a responsible and defensive driver, motorists should know how to yield or react when those flashing lights are approaching.
When an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights or siren, motorists should first slow down and avoid abrupt maneuvers. Drivers should then activate their turn signal, check mirrors and blind spots before safely pulling over to the right side of the roadway.
The driver should remain stopped, with foot on the brake, until all emergency vehicles have passed and the road is clear. Drivers should never attempt to outrun or pull in front of an emergency vehicle.
When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights activated, slow down and watch for law enforcement personnel who may be directing traffic. If safe to do so, pass slowly giving wide girth for emergency responders to work.
Tips to help safely accommodate emergency vehicles:
- Avoid driving while wearing headphones, ear buds or listening to loud music. Part of being a defensive driver is listening for approaching sirens.
- React quickly but calmly. Check mirrors and blind spots. Always use turn signal before changing lanes.
- Safely pull over and come to a stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
- Avoid stopping within an intersection.
- After emergency vehicles have passed, check for traffic before safely pulling back into the lane of travel.
- Never drive through a barricade, police tape or over a fire hose.
- Avoid rubbernecking or taking eyes off the road – especially at motor vehicle crashes.
- Drivers should refrain from taking photos or video while passing a crash. Doing so could distract the driver and lead to a secondary crash.
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