Every year in the U.S., there are almost 16,000 collisions involving fire department emergency vehicles while responding to or returning from incidents. These collisions result in more than 1,000 firefighter injuries and nearly 50 deaths.

Many people panic or simply don't adhere to the rules of the road for approaching emergency vehicles. The law is very specific: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, and failure to do so can cause serious accidents or delays in ambulances, fire engines and fire trucks arriving at the scene of an emergency. Firefighters are careful to avoid vehicle collisions by driving slowly when traveling against traffic, or coming to a complete stop at intersections. However, the cooperation of all vehicles on the roadway is essential.

There are some simple rules to follow when you're on the road and encounter an emergency vehicle:

DO:
· Stay calm. Pull to the right and come to a complete stop.

· If you cannot move to the right because of another vehicle or obstacle, just stop. Your action will let the driver of the emergency vehicle know what you are doing and allow the driver to anticipate where to drive.

· When an emergency vehicle approaches you from behind while you are stopped at an intersection, stay where you are unless you can pull to the right.

· Be careful when driving by or around a motor vehicle accident or any situation where emergency vehicles are parked and the firefighters are working.

· Drivers should stay at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.

DON'T:
· Don't panic.

· Don't play your radio so loudly that you are unable to hear sirens.

· Don't race ahead to make the green light or turn before the emergency vehicle gets there.

· Don't turn quickly to the left onto a street or driveway.

· Don't drive through a red light or stop sign when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.glendalefire.org.