November 24, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2009-69) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES While it is a problem year round, emergency responders report that the problem of motorists not yielding to emergency vehicles increases during the holiday traffic, especially with all the holiday shopping and the increase of vehicles on the road. Motorists are reminded that it is not only the law but the right thing to do to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles. Yield to emergency vehicles (such as ambulances, fire fighting apparatus, and police vehicles) when they are displaying a flashing red or blue light and sounding a siren or bell. Whether the emergency vehicle is overtaking or meeting you, pull to the side of the roadway and stop. In an intersection, clear it before stopping. Don’t proceed until the emergency vehicle has passed. Motorists are also reminded of Alabama's "move-over" law which requires motorists to move over and slow down when they encounter emergency responders stopped roadside with emergency signals activated. Seconds count when responding to an emergency whether it is a fire, medical, police emergency and motorists can help by following the rules of the roadway. ###