The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched its latest public safety campaign: “Emergency lights? Pull to the Right.”
The campaign aims to educate motorists about the importance of using caution and being vigilant when driving near emergency vehicles, LASD said in a press release.
“Every second counts during an emergency response. Whether it’s a sheriff’s unit or police car, fire engine or ambulance, emergency vehicles rely on drivers to do their part and clear the path quickly and safely,” the release states.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna added that drivers being unsure of what to do when an emergency vehicle is approaching – and people flat out ignoring emergency vehicles – happens “too often.”
“This campaign is about saving lives by making sure every driver knows how to react when they see those flashing lights in the rearview mirror,” he said.
LASD gave the following key safety advice to the public:
- Stay alert: Keep music at a reasonable volume and avoid distractions so you can hear sirens and see flashing lights.
- Pull to the right: When safe, signal and move your vehicle to the right-hand side of the road.
- Stop and wait: Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, or you are directed otherwise.
- Don’t block intersections: If you’re in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, continue through and then pull over.
“When you see emergency lights, pull to the right. It could make the difference between life and death,” Sheriff Luna warned.
The sheriff’s department has created an informational video about the campaign which can be viewed here. A version of the video in Spanish is available here.
California law 21806 CVC requires motorists to pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens activated.
