Photo Courtesy EGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

GPPS

GPPS reminds drivers of “legal obligations” when approached by active emergency vehicles

Aug 27, 2025 | 7:00 AM

Grande Prairie Police Services is reminding drivers of their obligation to yield to emergency vehicles.

GPPS says their officers are encountering more situations where “motorists fail to move to the right, stop in the middle of the road, or pull toward the median.”

GPPS Sergeant Walter Kubrak added, “we continue to see drivers ignoring this, which delays our response times and puts everyone at risk.”

Kubrak says the steps to allow an emergency vehicle to pass safely are “easy”:

• Pull over immediately as close to the curb as possible, remaining parallel to the road. Avoid stopping in intersections and always use the turn signal.
• Stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed and the road is clear of additional emergency vehicles.
• Re-enter traffic carefully after the emergency vehicle has passed, letting other drivers merge safely and signalling intent.
• Maintain distance: Do not drive within 150 metres of an emergency vehicle with its siren or flashing lights activated. For reference, 150 metres is nearly 1.5 times the length of a football field.

Anyone who fails to yield to an emergency vehicle with its sirens on could be fined $405.

While on the topic, GPPS wanted to also remind motorists of their obligation to immediately stop for peace officers when being pulled over; even if in an unsafe area, as the officer will direct you to a better spot.

Anyone who fails to immediately stop for a Peace Officer can be fined $243.

GPPS ask residents to follow these rules to keep “officers, emergency responders, and the public safe.”