ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Brenda, of Orlando, asked, “I’m stopped at a red light, with an emergency crew coming up behind me, what do I do?”
"Well, if you have read anything I’ve written, you know where I am going to start: Don’t panic," Trooper Steve said.
[ASK TROOPER STEVE: Send safety question to Trooper Steve]
In fact, Trooper Steve said sometimes you may have to break minor laws to allow for the safe passing of an emergency vehicle.
"This includes moving through a traffic signal stop bar or stop sign in order to move out of the way of the emergency vehicle," he said. "Keep in mind, the rest of the intersection should also begin to yield to this emergency, allowing you to move into a location that’s not only safe for you, but out of the way of the emergency."
No law enforcement officer or traffic camera should issue a citation if this is done safely and respectfully to the situation, Trooper Steve said.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.