GREAT FALLS — Although today might not seem like warmer temperatures are on the way, spring and summer are approaching quickly and better temperatures mean more people on the roads and more emergency vehicles as well.
One Great Falls towing company spoke with MTN about why it is important to remember to slow down and move over.
Current Montana code states a vehicle approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with appropriate flashing lights is required to reduce their speed, as well as - if safe to do so- move to a lane that is not directly next to the emergency vehicle.
If a driver is unable to move over, they are required to slow down 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. For example, on a two-lane highway such as U.S. Highway 87 where the speed limit is mostly 70, a vehicle would need to slow to 50 when approaching an emergency vehicle.
That is something that Carnahan’s Towing wrecker operator Casey Pozder says doesn't always happen. “That's quite the wind gust when they come by and they're not even a lane over from you,” says Pozder.
Tow truck operators often have a harder time being seen because they don't have those traditional red or blue lights that most emergency vehicles may have, but the risk of getting hit out on the roads is just as high.
Pozder sees the constant worry interfering with his everyday tasks. He says, “(A job) takes a little longer because we are having to watch over our shoulders all the time to watch for those vehicles that don't move over or slow down.”
Montana Code:
61-8-346. Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles or police vehicles -- approaching stationary emergency vehicles or police vehicles. (1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of 61-9-402 or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the operator of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer or highway patrol officer.
(2) This section does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4), upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle that is displaying visible signals of flashing or rotating amber, blue, red, or green lights, the operator of the approaching vehicle shall:
(a) reduce the vehicle's speed, proceed with caution, and, if possible considering safety and traffic conditions, move to a lane that is not adjacent to the lane in which the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle is located or move as far away from the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle as possible; or
(b) if changing lanes is not possible or is determined to be unsafe, reduce the vehicle's speed, proceed with caution, and maintain a reduced speed, appropriate to the road and the conditions, through the area where the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle is stopped.
(4) Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle that is displaying visible signals of flashing or rotating amber, blue, red, or green lights on a public highway with a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour or greater when driving in a lane that is directly next to the emergency vehicle or police vehicle, the operator of the approaching vehicle shall reduce the vehicle's speed by at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
