Do you know the laws about yielding to emergency vehicles?
Driver Crashes Into Patrol Unit Responding to Emergency, Arrested on DWI Charges
According to a KSAT News report, a driver is in police custody after an accident involving a patrol unit two months ago.
Police reported the accident happened around 10 p.m. on Monday, June 3rd, at the intersection of Fredericksburg Road and Callaghan Road on the Northwest Side. An officer was responding to an emergency with lights and sirens on when it attempted to turn through an intersection. That is when a white Dodge Ram pickup traveling through the intersection failed to yield and crashed into the emergency vehicle. The driver was found to be intoxicated and arrested on suspicion of a DWI. The officer who was struck was taken to the hospital as a precaution but was expected to fully recover.
Did You Know?
Auto accidents cause the most accidental deaths of law enforcement officers.
Texas Laws on Yielding to Emergency Vehicles
In 2023, 31 officers died in traffic accidents while performing their duties.
In order for law enforcement to effectively respond to emergencies, drivers must obey yielding laws. Recent years have seen an uptick in serious auto accidents, making it a good idea to brush up on these laws so you know exactly what to do if approached by an emergency vehicle.
What Counts as an Emergency Vehicle in Texas?
An emergency vehicle can include any of the following in Texas:
- Public or Private Ambulances,
- Fire Department or Police Department Vehicles of any Type (including motorcycles),
- Private Vehicles of Emergency Personnel/Volunteers (if they are actively responding to an emergency),
- Another emergency medical services vehicle that operates under a license issued by the Department of State Health Services.
As a general rule, these vehicles should have clear and visible branding, as well as audio and visual signals.
How to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
Whether you encounter emergency vehicles driving behind or in front of you or parked along the road, there are specific rules you must follow. Firstly and most importantly, you must obey any instruction given by a police officer at the scene.
Move Over, Slow Down Rules
If you encounter an emergency vehicle parked along the roadway, you should:
- Slow Down,
- Check for Oncoming Traffic,
- And Move Into the Next Lane if Safe.
If there is no lane or traffic prevents you from pulling over, you are required to reduce your speed to 20 mph lower than the posted speed limit.
Emergency Vehicles Responding to Accidents
If an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens activated, you must:
- Slow Down,
- Turn on Your Hazard Lights,
- Move Parallel to the Right-Hand Curb,
- And Come to a Complete Stop.
Remain until the emergency vehicle has sufficiently passed. Do not tailgate an emergency vehicle.
Emergency Vehicles at Intersections
If an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection with lights and sirens:
- Do Not Enter the Intersection from Any Direction,
- If You Have Already Entered the Intersection, Pull All the Way Through, Then Drive to the Right-hand Side and Stop.
You can be fined up to $1,250 for a first offense if you break these laws.
Injured in an Accident With an Emergency Vehicle in Texas? Call Shaw.
Civilians can be caught in the midst of an emergency response to no fault of their own.
If you were in an accident with an emergency vehicle that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Shaw today to find out your legal options at 800-862-1260. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.
²Causes of Law Enforcement Deaths