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Ask Trooper Steve: What if I can’t get out of the way of an emergency vehicle?

Viewers ask traffic questions, Trooper Steve answers them

ORLANDO, Fla.News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked by David T., “What happens if you are in a travel lane and can’t move out of the way of an emergency vehicle?”

[SUBMIT: Ask your traffic-related question]

Moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle can be pretty stressful.

“As a first responder, who has responded to hundreds of emergencies while using lights and sirens, I have seen the best drivers and the absolute worst,” Trooper Steve said. “Speaking from experience, we want drivers to yield to the right, if at all possible.”

Emergency personnel are trained to always pass on the left.

“We definitely don’t want you darting into traffic or aggressively moving out of the way,” he added. “Any progress is good progress, so as long as you are attempting to move, then you are doing the right thing.”

Trooper Steve said drivers should focus on getting out of the way -- in a safe manner.

[STORY CONTINUES BELOW PREVIOUS Ask Trooper Steve VIDEO]

“No driver is going to get into serious trouble for violating minor traffic laws in order to move out of the way of an emergency vehicle,” he said. “If this requires a driver to carefully pass a stop sign or pull in front of other stopped traffic, this is allowed.”

Yes, there are times where it is physically impossible for a driver to immediately move out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

“Emergency vehicle drivers understand this, however, sirens will remain engaged in order to motivate further traffic to begin to move,” Trooper Steve said.


About the Authors
Daniel Dahm headshot

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

Steve Montiero headshot

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

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