Letters: Philadelphia driving etiquette for emergencies

TODAY'S FISCAL climate has resulted in cutbacks in emergency services. Fewer police, fire and paramedics result in longer response times - further compromised by the driving of many vehicle operators. Every operator has to take and pass a state driver's test. In Pennsylvania, the Drivers Manual, Chapter 3 ("Learning to Drive") has a section on "Emergency vehicles and situations." I know this because the situation is so bad I thought it had been removed from the manual. Well, it's still there, right between school buses and funeral processions:

"Certain vehicles have sirens and flashing red lights or a combination of flashing red and blue lights. The lights assist emergency vehicles to move quickly through traffic and to answer emergency calls.

"Emergency vehicles include fire department equipment, police cars, ambulances, blood delivery vehicles and specially equipped vehicles from river rescue organizations, but other types do exist. Watch out for them.

"When you hear a siren or see a vehicle approaching with flashing red (or a combination of red and blue) lights, pull over to the curb or edge of the road and stop. Drive parallel and as near to the curb as possible. On one-way streets, drive toward the road edge nearest you. Always stay clear of intersections.

"After the emergency vehicle passes, you may start driving again. You must stay at least 500 feet away from the emergency vehicle. If an emergency vehicle is leaving or returning to its garage and the emergency lights are still flashing, you must stop until the emergency vehicle is safely out of your path.

"During an emergency situation, all drivers must obey the direction of any uniformed police officer, sheriff, constable or any properly attired person, including fire police."

The manual speaks for itself.

And remember, that same vehicle may someday be responding to assist you!

Tommy McKiernan, Treasurer

Local 22 IAFF, Philadelphia