Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

[deleted] t1_ixjups2 wrote

Reply to comment by derverdwerb in Giving ambulances, fire trucks priority at traffic lights could cut their travel times, Winnipeg study says by Mutte_Haede

[deleted]

3

Dirty_Hertz t1_ixkqc2o wrote

What I have noticed in my city, is that when people see flashing lights behind them, they just panic and stop their car in the middle of the road instead of pulling over. So many terrible drivers here..

2

derverdwerb t1_ixk1w98 wrote

Well I mean, I can’t speak for other jurisdictions. However, beacons here are a signal to other drivers that you’re behaving in a manner that would otherwise be unlawful. It’s intended as a safety device. It doesn’t change right of way or any other road rule, it just tells you I’m driving differently.

For instance, I still come to either a complete stop or a slow roll before entering intersections on a red light, and so on.

0

[deleted] t1_ixle9ih wrote

[deleted]

1

derverdwerb t1_ixlewwg wrote

You can choose not to advance into an intersection if it’s unsafe for you to do so, or to give way. That doesn’t necessarily mean the emergency vehicle has right of way.

Imagine a situation in which a driver was unaware of the presence of the emergency vehicle and advanced normally into an intersection, then was struck and injured by an ambulance driving under urgent duty driving conditions. If the ambulance had right of way, that injured driver would be held liable. That’s definitely not the case where I work.

Beacons ask other drivers to give up their own right of way. It doesn’t steal it from them.

Edit: I had a squizz at your Highway Code. It specifically does not say that the ambulance takes right of way:

>Rule 219

>Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.

2

BlooperHero t1_ixlaj2z wrote

The ambulance has to slow down and check because they can't assume drivers on a different road entirely have already noticed them--they'd be driving into traffic fairly often if they did.

But those drivers on the other road do stop once they've noticed. "Would otherwise be unlawful." So... it's not unlawful in this situation, then. That's a change to right of way.

0

derverdwerb t1_ixlauk9 wrote

No, it absolutely doesn’t change my right of way. I’m at fault automatically for any accident that occurs. It is purely a safety signal that I’m driving differently.

Don’t try to redditsplain to me the legal framework I work in, thanks.

0