It's good etiquette to slow down for emergency vehicles as they are pulled over on the side of the road. It's also the law.

Peter L'Heureux, Deputy Fire Chief with the Swift Current Fire Department, thinks it important for folks to know how to safely navigate emergency workers who are on scene, responding to emergencies.

"We're really hoping in the community people yield the right away to emergency vehicles," said L'Heureux. "We're responding as safely and quickly as possible. We want to be as safe as possible and we want to move through the community as safely as possible." 

When passing an emergency vehicle on the side of the highway it's required by law to slow down to 60 km/h. But what about in town? What's the proper procedure when emergency vehicles are coming down the road? 

"If cars can yield right away, move out of the way," advised L'Heureux.

When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching yours, it's best to pull over to the open shoulder of the road. If you are on a two-lane highway, it's best to open up the right lane for emergency vehicles and to pay attention that all of the vehicles en route to the scene have passed you before resuming driving.

"Anytime that we can expedite our response or show up on scene quicker, more efficiently, or safer," said L'Heureux. "That's something all the emergency services police fire and ambulance are all looking to do."

If you are at an intersection, vehicles should remain still, as emergency vehicles proceed around everyone. If lanes are full, drivers can slowly encroach the intersection as they make room, being careful to not endanger themselves or others.

"Anytime you're pulling back out into traffic or off the shoulder," continued L'Heureux. " We'd ask you to check your mirrors, check your periphery, shoulder check, etc, and check around you before you pull back out into traffic so that you don't pull out in front of an emergency vehicle."

Slowing down for emergency vehicles helps give the driver more time to respond, and protects those who work around the clock to respond when the unthinkable happens. Reducing speed and giving them the right of way helps not only protect them but helps them save lives by not hindering them on their way.

"Please slow down, give the fire trucks, the ambulances, and the police vehicles a little bit of room to work," requested L'Heureux. "Whether that's sliding over away from the shoulder, away from that emergency scene, giving them a little bit of room and slowing down, and being cautious of people that may be coming out from around vehicles."