[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Good question---here's the applicable statute, but it does not specify which side of the road:

316.126 Operation of vehicles and actions of pedestrians; approach of authorized emergency, sanitation, or utility service vehicle, wrecker, or road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicle; presence of disabled motor vehicle.—
(1)(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, while en route to meet an existing emergency, the driver of every other vehicle shall, when such emergency vehicle is giving audible signals by siren, exhaust whistle, or other adequate device, or visible signals by the use of displayed blue or red lights, yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle and shall immediately proceed to a position parallel to, and as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.

However, as an extreme example, I doubt you have to stop for an emergency vehicle going the opposite direction on I-75.

Morse bridge? yes you have to stop/pull over/ I75 no.

[Berwin]

As a former deputy sheriff, I can tell you that we want you to use common sense. I have approached an intersection where people were stopped at a light and then had those people pull onto the shoulder as I was trying to get around them on that same shoulder. My department typically didn't use our siren unless needed because it tends to make people lose their minds. I also appreciated people who signaled that they were changing lanes or pulling over because I knew they had seen me and were taking appropriate action. If I'm coming up on a person in the left lane I wouldn't change over to the right in order to get around because too often they would pull right in front of me so I stay in the left lane, lay on that siren, and hope they pull over soon.

[NotGolfer]

I once was at the light at Morse and 466 East waiting to turn right. Saw an emergency vehicle coming behind me and cars/trucks in all three lanes. The light was red---I looked both ways then I made my turn, even though in another instance it wouldn't have been the correct thing to do. I also could see that the E.V. needed space to get past everyone. I've noticed here, people seem to get confused easily and just do nothing. Again, it makes me wonder if people actually ever had "Driver's Education". Back in the day---our schools had BOTH classroom (for a year) plus behind the wheel. The latter wasn't required but suggested, however classroom was required, with a grade. I still remember many of the road rules---stop-signs and signals to be specific.

[Windguy]

Originally Posted by dhdallas

when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren approaches from EITHER direction, all traffic is to pull over to the right and STOP.

I grew up in FL and remember this issue being taught in driver’s ed and it was on the test.

Unless they changed the rule, it is that if there is a barrier median or a median at least 20 feet wide, you do not need to take action when an emergency vehicle is on the opposite side of the road.

[jabacon6669]

I worked in another state for 46 years as a call fire fighter, retiring as a Lt. I worked full time for 42 years as a full time police officer, retiring as a Sgt. In this case, I would say the laws would be similar state to state.
Let's take the emergency vehicle operator first. He must comply with all traffic laws, the same as everyone else. If he violates a traffic law and causes an accident, he will be held liable. Now, the siren, lights, and air horn are to be used only as a warning device, to assist that operator in making moves that might otherwise be a violation in getting around traffic. When he makes a judgement to do that, it must be "safe and reasonable".
Now the regular Joe driving when seeing or hearing an emergency vehicle he should pull to the right "in a safe and reasonable way" to allow the EV to pass. Doesn't matter which lane your in or what direction your heading, divided roadways excluded, for obvious reasons.

[Heytubes]

And if at an intersection, you never know if the EV has to make a turn, so stop.

[Arletti]

The statute says, “…. the driver of every other vehicle shall….” I would suggest you move to the right, slow down, and stop. That doesn’t mean slamming on your brakes like that car did.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Eg_cruz

Was driving on the Morse Bridge going north, we were in the middle of the bridge when I fire truck with lights on was heading south on the opposite side of the bridge.
There was no traffic in front of the fire truck.

Question: does the north bound cars have to stop?
We were in the left lane and the driver in front slammed on his brakes and come to a stop until the fire truck passed, they didn’t pull over to the right lane he just stopped in the middle of the bridge.

What is the proper move here?

My dad taught me to drive. I still recall him saying expect them to do the dumbest possible thing. I read somewhere that Florida has the worst drivers in the nation. Clearly there are some that want to be certain we do not loose that position.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by jabacon6669

I worked in another state for 46 years as a call fire fighter, retiring as a Lt. I worked full time for 42 years as a full time police officer, retiring as a Sgt. In this case, I would say the laws would be similar state to state.
Let's take the emergency vehicle operator first. He must comply with all traffic laws, the same as everyone else. If he violates a traffic law and causes an accident, he will be held liable. Now, the siren, lights, and air horn are to be used only as a warning device, to assist that operator in making moves that might otherwise be a violation in getting around traffic. When he makes a judgement to do that, it must be "safe and reasonable".
Now the regular Joe driving when seeing or hearing an emergency vehicle he should pull to the right "in a safe and reasonable way" to allow the EV to pass. Doesn't matter which lane your in or what direction your heading, divided roadways excluded, for obvious reasons.

Reality there is the LAW and the there is reality. If, you are involved in a collision with a cop an ambulance a fire truck you are screwed guilty or not. Also, interesting the postman has the right of way no matter what. Old law that never went away. Not sure if that applies to Fedx, Ups and Amazon.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Arletti

The statute says, “…. the driver of every other vehicle shall….” I would suggest you move to the right, slow down, and stop. That doesn’t mean slamming on your brakes like that car did.

Clearly, it is a reach to assume other drivers know the law and a further. longer reach that they will follow the law.. Over 90% of accidents are avoidable. Perhaps the word accident is not true.