Sharing the Road With Emergency Vehicles

Every second counts. If you glance in your rear view mirror and see an emergency vehicle, lights flashing, coming up behind. What do you do?

• Pull safely as far to the right as possible and slow down or stop until the vehicle passes.
• Give emergency vehicles the right of way at any intersection.
• Turn your car radio down or off.
• Stay alert at all times. Scan in front and on both sides of your vehicle. Like deer, if you see one emergency vehicle, you're likely to see more. All of Goochland's Fire-Rescue Companies work closely with the Sheriff's Office to protect lives and property in Goochland. More than one Fire-Rescue Company may respond to an emergency depending upon what kind of personnel and equipment are available and needed and may come from different directions.
• Do not attempt to pass a Fire-Rescue Station if emergency vehicles are leaving the station. This wastes time and could cause needless collisions.

By following these simple tips, you can help emergency vechicles get to their destinations safely and quickly. In an emergency, every second counts.

Remember, someday you might be in the back of that ambulance, or the fire trucks may be on the way to your house!