Question:

What do you do if an emergency vehicle is approaching and you are already in the intersection trying to make a left turn? 

Answer:

If the emergency vehicle is coming toward you and there is no on-coming traffic or pedestrians in the crosswalk, you can make your turn if you can do so safely AND you will be clear of the intersection long before the emergency vehicle reaches the intersection.  You also need to ensure that the road you are turning onto will have a safe place for you to pull over and give the emergency vehicle enough space to pass you in case they turn that way as well.

If it is not safe to make your left turn or if the emergency vehicle is too close, STAY WHERE YOU ARE – DO NOT TURN LEFT IN TO THE PATH OF THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE.  You will need to let the emergency vehicle pass, going around you if necessary.  Let them make the decision on how to navigate the intersection, you don’t know which way the are planning to go so remaining where you are will allow them to assess the entire intersection and take the safest way through.

If you are still in the middle of the intersection once the emergency vehicle has passed, you can complete the left turn even if the light has already turned red, otherwise you will impede the flow of traffic.  If cross-traffic has already started moving before you can make your turn, you will need to complete your turn on the next light cycle.

If the emergency vehicle is coming from behind you, just as above, make your turn if it is safe to do so and you will be completely clear of the intersection before the emergency vehicle will reach the intersection.

If you cannot make the turn safely, again STAY WHERE YOU ARE and let the emergency vehicle pass you, completing the turn SAFELY once they have passed.

Remember that emergency vehicles are headed to an emergency so seconds count and you can do your part by ensuring you give them enough space to pass.  Don’t make last minute turns or lane changes in front of emergency vehicles or you may end up needing emergency services yourself as the emergency vehicles are often travelling quite fast.

USE COMMON SENSE and be sure to always give emergency vehicles the right-of-way!