Do You Know Illinois’ Laws When An Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching You?

Does anyone else get a sense that Illinois drivers have either forgotten what they learned in Driver's Ed or just thrown it all out the window?

Over the past week or two, I've had to pull over for an ambulance, police vehicle, or fire truck. No biggie, it cost me a whole 5 seconds.

Almost every time this happened, at least 4 or 5 times of late, I've witnessed a handful of vehicles completely disregard an emergency vehicle.

The rules of the road don't require us to pull over or and come to a complete stop every time this happens but the rules that do apply are LAWS.

(Note: Laws don't mean it's a suggestion.)

Are drivers who don't yield to emergency vehicles careless, in a hurry, distracted, or are they within their rights?

ILLINOIS LAW

On page 6 of Illinois' "A Quick Guide To Safe Driving," the laws are clearly stated on what to do if an emergency vehicle with lights and/or sirens is active.

Illinois law requires motorists to immediately pull to the right side of the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. In some cases a complete stop may be necessary to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. If stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic, remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes through the intersection.

If you're on a road or highway with a divide, a barrier, or a median, you do NOT need to pull over or reduce speed, according to Dixon.gov.

Also, did you know it's illegal to use take a picture less than 500 feet of an emergency scene "except in certain circumstances?"

Put your phone down and pay attention.