The Law

§ 1050. Operation on approach of law enforcement and emergency vehicles

(a) Upon the approach of a law enforcement vehicle which is sounding a siren or displaying a blue or blue and white signal lamp, or both, or upon the approach of an ambulance, fire apparatus, a vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter, EMS personnel, or a motor vehicle used in rescue operations as set forth in section 1252 of this title which is sounding a siren or displaying a red signal lamp, or both, all other vehicles shall pull to the right of the lane of traffic and come to a complete stop, until the law enforcement or emergency vehicle has passed. However, an enforcement officer who is present shall have full power to regulate traffic irrespective of the foregoing provisions.

(b) The operator of a vehicle which is approaching a stationary law enforcement vehicle which is displaying a blue or blue and white signal lamp, or of a vehicle which is approaching a stationary ambulance, fire apparatus, a vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter, or a motor vehicle used in rescue operations as set forth in section 1252 of this title which is displaying a red signal lamp or a stationary towing and repair vehicle displaying an amber signal lamp shall proceed with caution, and, if traveling on a four-lane highway, and safety conditions permit, make a lane change.

(c) This section does not relieve the operator of an authorized law enforcement or emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

 

Vermont DMV Urges Drivers to Move Over, Slow Down for Tow Trucks

There's very little room between high speed traffic and a sheriff's deputy as he talks to the driver of a car he pulled over.

New signs are aimed at creating more space and keeping the roads safe for police and other road crews on Vermont highways. "In 2010, we had two troopers struck on I-89, the signs that are going up across the state we hope will make people aware of the dangers of the job," said Vermont State Police Commander, Col. Tom L'Esperance.

This week, six road signs will be installed along Interstates 89 and 91. They tell drivers to move over or at least slow down for stopped emergency vehicles. "If you can't move to a left lane, because either because there is not a left lane, or there's traffic in the left lane, you're expected to slow down," said Vermont Transportation Secretary, David Dill.

And this includes any emergency vehicles with flashing lights, including tow trucks and maintenance fleets. "Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of our job is working along the highways, this helps to protect not only law enforcement personnel, first responders tow truck operators and the like," Col. L'Esperance said.

The goal is to install 12 Move Over signs within the next year. "This is very important. We'd rather prevent the injury before it ever happens. This new law is a major step forward in that way," Dill said.

Authorities say with 160 rescue workers that have been killed nationwide within the decade, the signs can't come soon enough.