Montgomery, AL –Per the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, despite the overwhelming co-operation among Alabama people and the first response personnel motorists in the state fail to yield correctly and safely when they are confronted by emergency vehicles that are authorized. Responding appropriately to emergency vehicles allows first responders to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively while protecting public safety and ensure the residents of Alabama.
“Recently the Agency has observed an increase in drivers failing to yield when confronted by emergency responders in emergencies,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor stated. “These incidents only reinforce the importance for all drivers to be vigilant and maintain a high level of awareness of their surroundings which allows first responders and citizens, along with visitorsto use on Alabama’s roads in a safe manner. ALEA Special Agents and Troopers are accountable and have the responsibility to manage emergency vehicles in consideration to the safety of motorists traveling through Alabama’s highways. But, we need everyone’s assistance, not only providing safe travel for emergency vehicles as well as a reasonable way of yielding and allowing police officers who are conducting traffic stops. This is another crucial issue that needs assistance from the people of Alabama in order to aid our Agency in reaching its goal of not losing a single life on Alabama roads.”
Section 32-5A-115 of Code of Alabama states the following: “Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle that is equipped with at minimum one lighted lamp and audible signal that are required under law and the driver of any other vehicle must give way to the right-of-way and immediately move to a location in a straight line parallel to, or closest to, the right-hand addededge or curb of the road, free of any intersection, and then be stopped and remain in the location until the designated emergency vehicle is cleared or is directed to do so by an officer from the police force.”
Director of the ALEA’s Department Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Jimmy Helms said, “Our Troopers from the Highway Patrol Division have worked tirelessly to decrease accidents and fatalities in traffic throughout the state with numerous high-visibility law enforcement actions. When our Troopers have implemented these programs and campaigns and initiatives, they’ve noticed motorists turning to the left and stopping at grass medians or centers-only turn lanes. These causes problems and is unsafe for our Troopers as well as motorists. If you happen to be in the path of emergency vehicles such as an ambulance or fire truck in response to an incident, or an ALEA Trooper who is facilitating traffic stops, make sure to observe the law and move closest as you can to the left-hand side.”
For more details on how to yield safely to emergency vehicles, as well as other tips for traffic safety Please visit: www.alea.gov
