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R.I.C.E those Sprains and Strains
Move RIGHT for Siren and Lights- Column by San Juan Island EMS Chief Jim Cole
Baby, it's cold inside
Care in the Air
Hands-only CPR saving lives
Falls in the Spring
Strokes
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Move RIGHT for Siren and Lights
posted 04/10/2008
The island is certainly busier these days for public safety agencies. Our EMTs, firefighters and deputies want to get safely to an emergency and we need your help. Remember this simple phrase, MOVE RIGHT FOR SIREN & LIGHTS.
RCW 46.61.210 says that when you see and hear an emergency vehicle, you are to safely pull to the RIGHT and make a complete STOP. You should remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has completely passed.
What Drivers Should Do:
- Remain calm and don't panic!
- Pull to the RIGHT and come to a COMPLETE STOP.
- When in the left lane, pull over into the right land as the traffic in the lane to your right moves over.
- If you cannot move to the right because of an obstacle such as a car to your right, simply stop.
- Your prompt action will let the driver of the emergency vehicle know what you are doing; it will allow the driver to anticipate where to drive.
- When an emergency vehicle approaches you from behind while you are stationary at an intersection stop sign, do not move unless you can pull to the right.
What Drivers Should NOT Do:
- Don't continue to creep along the edge of the road.
- Don't stop in the middle lane when there is room to pull to the right.
- Don't pull to the left in the center or left turn lane.
- Don't driver through a stop sign when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind.
- Don't turn quickly to the left into a driveway or street to "beat" the ambulance.
- Don't race ahead to get through an intersection before the emergency vehicle gets there.
- Don't disregard the presence of the emergency vehicle by continuing to drive.
For further information RCW LAW
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