Teach Your Teen How To Handle Emergency Vehicles

Seth Smiley here from the Smiley Law Firm with today’s edition of the Parents of Teen Drivers Facebook Group. Today’s topic is,” Teach your teen how to handle emergency vehicles.”

Emergency vehicles include the police, fire trucks, ambulances, and anyone else who is authorized by law to have sirens on their car when driving on the highway.

There are specific rules and ways to handle emergency vehicles that the Louisiana Revised Statute 32:125 covers. It would be best if you taught your teenagers what to do in this situation so that they avoid accidents, and the emergency services are free to get on with their jobs.

Unless directed otherwise by a police officer, you are supposed to move to the right. If possible, in parallel with the vehicle, and out of the lane to the curb. It seems logical, but not everyone knows this, or they forget in an emergency.

Teach your teen to listen for the siren and look for an approaching emergency vehicle. They should do their best to get as far to the right as possible and let them pass before resuming their journey. They don’t want to be at fault or cause an accident.

The takeaway to remember for your teen here is to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, even tow trucks, or unmarked vehicles with sirens. Remind them always to follow the protocol and proceed with caution.

It is not something that we face often, but it is best that your teen driver is informed and knows how to handle the situation if it arises.

If you have any questions or input about our topic, “Teach your teen how to handle emergency vehicles,” please comment below.