By Erika Rolling

Enforcement Services

Drivers being reminded to pull over for emergency vehicles

Dec 11, 2024 | 11:52 AM

Grande Prairie Enforcement Services is urging the public to follow the rules of the road when it comes to emergency vehicles.

If an emergency vehicle with its sirens/lights on is approaching you, it has the right of way.

Drivers should pull over to the curb as close as possible (usually to the righthand side), stop and remain stopped until the vehicle has passed and no other emergency vehicles are approaching, and let themselves and drivers back into traffic once the road is clear to do so.

For a safe distance, 150 metres should be kept between you and emergency vehicles when their sirens are going and/or lights flashing.

“Any individual that is operating an emergency vehicle in any capacity understands that the average driver may panic or hesitate when they see an emergency vehicle with its lights and/or siren activated.” -Community Peace Officer Sergeant Bransen Balfour

Community Peace Officers say they regularly see motorists take a long time to pull over to the side of the road or not move over at all for emergency vehicles to pass by.

It is a $405 fine for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle with its siren on under the Alberta Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation.

“It is imperative that drivers understand that it is their job to pull over safely and to the right side of the road. We want to ensure that our staff can get where they are needed most or are able to conduct traffic operations in the safest manner possible.” – Community Peace Officer Sergeant Bransen Balfour

Motorists are also obligated to pull over to the side of the road and stop for police or a peace officer, failing to do so can result in a $243 ticket under the province’s Traffic Safety Act.