McLean County Times

When drivers in Illinois encounter an emergency vehicle using lights and sirens, state law requires them to pull to the right side of the road and allow the vehicle to pass. In some cases, coming to a complete stop may be necessary. At intersections with two-way traffic, motorists should remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has cleared the intersection. Drivers are also advised to keep a distance of at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.

The law also emphasizes the importance of keeping radios at a volume that allows drivers to hear sirens and horns. Scott’s Law requires that when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, motorists should change lanes away from the vehicle and proceed with caution. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must reduce speed and continue cautiously.

Tips for drivers include staying calm, pulling to the right and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes, and ensuring that on one-way three-lane roads, the center lane remains open for emergency vehicles. If moving to the right is not possible, moving left is acceptable. On high-speed roads or when space is limited, slowing down as much as possible is recommended. Both directions of traffic should pull to the right unless a barrier divider is present. Drivers are reminded never to stop in the middle of the road if there is room to pull over.