Police in Saint John are noticing a growing problem when they are responding to emergency calls.
Sgt. Greg Oram said some drivers are not pulling over when they see emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens on.
“Some will continue through an intersection even after they’ve seen an emergency vehicle approaching,” said Oram. “They’ll continue driving or they’ll pull over to the side and still keep driving along, which is still a dangerous situation.”
Oram said drivers who ignore this seemingly basic law put themselves, other drivers and first responders in danger.
As for why people do not pull over, Oram said some drivers are distracted and do not hear the emergency vehicle right away.
“In some cases, probably paying attention to their phone or they have the music in their vehicle too loud or they’re not paying attention to what’s going on around them,” he said.
“In other cases, some people just seem to be oblivious to what they’re supposed to actually do.”
Under the Motor Vehicle Act, drivers who fail to pull to the right and stop until an emergency vehicle passes face a fine of at least $172.50.
