Driving Safely Around Emergency Vehicles

Boca Raton is Reminding Drivers How to Safely Drive Around Fire Trucks 

 The City is dedicated to ensuring that our roads are safe for all, especially when it comes to sharing them with fire trucks and other vehicles during emergency responses. Creating a safe environment for our firefighters, police officers, drivers and those needing assistance is essential. Following recent incidents where drivers have hit parked City fire trucks, causing damage and civilian injuries, the City is reminding residents and visitors to do their part in keeping our roads, and City employees safe. The following Emergency Vehicle Road Safety guidelines will help create a safer community for all. 

Emergency Vehicles on the Road

• PULL OVER AND STOP when you see or hear an approaching fire truck with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Allow them to quickly move through traffic, and never block an intersection. 
• MOVE LANES when driving on highways with two or more lanes in the same direction as emergency vehicles. As soon as it is safe, leave the lane closest to the emergency vehicle. 
• MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE between your vehicle and a traveling fire truck. Avoid tailgating, stay at least 500 feet behind the truck to ensure they have ample space to maneuver.

Parked Emergency Vehicles

• MOVE OVER AND SLOW DOWN when you approach a parked emergency vehicle on the road.  Remember, there are emergency personnel and people who need assistance on the scene.

Follow the Law

• THE FLORIDA MOVE OVER LAW requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down to 20 MPH below the speed limit when near emergency vehicles on the road. If you are on a road where the speed limit is 20 MPH or less, you are required to slow down to 5 MPH.

Keep Access Clear

• NEVER BLOCK ACCESS by stopping or parking in front of fire hydrants, fire station entrances, or in areas designated for emergency vehicles. Blocking access can delay critical responses.

Pay Attention and Be Patient

• STAY FOCUSED on the road around you when you approach a parked emergency vehicle, or when one approaching you. Plan your route ahead of time, turn down music, do personal grooming at home, and never use your cell phone while driving. 
• GIVE TIME to emergency responders who are working diligently to save lives. Allow them time to navigate through traffic to get to their destination quickly and safely.