Carson City public safety column: Drivers must yield to any approaching emergency vehicle
There seems to be some confusion in regards to pulling over for emergency vehicles. I recently spoke with an individual who informed me that they did not have to pull over and stop for law enforcement vehicles, only for fire engines and ambulances.
This information is incorrect. You as a driver have a duty to yield to any emergency vehicle that is approaching. If coming up behind you, pull to the side of the roadway and stop if it is safe to do so. At the very least slow way down so that you may be passed without concern. Do not block intersections as the emergency vehicle may be turning onto a side street.
Traffic on the opposite side of the roadway should pull to the side also in the event the emergency vehicle needs to turn across your path of travel or utilize your side of the roadway to get to where it is headed. Although this is not our preferred method, sometimes the situation dictates the necessity.
Should law enforcement be stopping you for a traffic violation, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s handbook makes the following suggestions:
So what do you do when you see red lights flashing in the rearview mirror? Pull over and stop! Drivers who are stopped by law enforcement officers are encouraged to follow these instructions:
— Stop your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible. Stay in your vehicle. If you are stopped at night, turn on the interior light. Good lighting assists good communication. If you leave the vehicle, you subject yourself and the officer to danger from nearby traffic.
— Keep your hands in plain view at all times (preferably on the steering wheel) and refrain from making any sudden movements. Wait for the officer to request your license, registration and evidence of insurance.
— Officers are trained to ask for identification first and provide an explanation of why you were stopped second. Provide the documents requested, and then give the officer a chance to explain why you were stopped. This will speed up the process.
Remember, in most cases, the officer is in uniform and is displaying a badge and name tag. You have the advantage of knowing with whom you are dealing; the officer does not. Extend the courtesy by presenting the requested paperwork promptly and without an argument.
— Don’t argue the citation with the officer. If you think that the citation was wrongly issued, the proper procedure is to request a hearing through the court system or attend the hearing for which you received notification.
I would add that if you are not comfortable in stopping in a dimly lit area, signal the officer that you see them and point in the direction that you wish to stop for example a well-lit parking lot or street.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and writes regular public safety columns. He can be reached at smcdaniel@carson.org
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