The Battlefords RCMP are requesting the public's assistance in doing their part in keeping our communities safe.
In a press release Cpl. Jason Olney states there has been a concerning increase in road users failing to obey the laws surrounding emergency vehicles.
In Saskatchewan, all emergency vehicles such as fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances have the right of way when displaying emergency equipment such flashing lights and using sirens.
“When approached by an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing or sirens engaged, you must immediately drive as closely as possible to the right edge of the roadway and stop,” Olney explains.
“Do not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if a peace officer gives you other directions. On one-way streets, pull right or left to the nearest curb.”
At an intersection, drivers must stop and let the emergency vehicle through the intersection, unless given other directions by a peace officer. If the emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, but no siren engaged, motorists in the vicinity should extend the same privilege as previously mentioned while meeting or being overtaken by the emergency vehicle.
If convicted, failing to yield or pull over to the right and stop, a driver faces a fine of $125;
When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the highway with its emergency lights in operation, drivers must slow down to 60 km/h when passing it. This does not apply to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. However, this does apply when travelling in the opposite direction on an undivided highway. If convicted, a driver faces fines starting at $140, with a per-kilometre rate assessed for each kilometre in excess of the speed limit. Three demerit points are also assigned to the driver.
“Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle going to, or coming from, an emergency,” Olney advises.
“By following the above laws of the road, you may help save a life by allowing emergency services to reach their destination safely and in a timely manner.”
