Can You Stop in Your Lane for Emergency Vehicles in Lubbock?

I was on my way to work the other day here in Lubbock when an ambulance passed by with its sirens on. I'm not kidding when I say that I witnessed every possible reaction from drivers on the road. Some pulled over to the right side, some just slowed down in their lane while others came to a stop in the middle of the road.

This was when I wondered what the actual protocol is when an emergency vehicle flashes their sirens. So, listen carefully, Lubbock, because this is what state law has to say about it.

When Can Emergency Vehicles Break Road Laws?

It's easy to think that cop cars and fire trucks can just dismiss any law they need to in order to make it to their destination as fast as possible. That's partially true. Yes, they are allowed to break certain traffic laws, but only under specific circumstances:

• Pursuing someone who broke a law
• Responding to a fire
• Directing traffic at intersections/construction zones
• Responding to a 911 call
• Conducting police escorts for oversized loads or funerals

The catch is that the red and blue lights must be activated in order for emergency vehicles to break any road laws in Texas.

What Should I Do When Emergency Vehicles Pass By?

Now, here's the million-dollar question: What to do when a cop, fire truck, or ambulance passes you by on the road. Your first action should be to pull over to the righthand side of the road and wait until they safely pass.

If you can't pull over to the right side for whatever reason, like there is traffic in your way, then you must slow down to 20 mph, at most. If you're stopped at an intersection, then just stay where you are until the flashing lights pass by, even if your light says green.

Failing to follow these traffic laws in Texas can result in a $200 fine at least, and that's not even including any accidents or harm you caused by failing to pull over or stop for emergency vehicles.

Oh, and one more thing. How close is too close when following an emergency vehicle? Anything under 500 feet is breaking the law. If you think that's a lot, congrats, you're right, here's a cookie. For perspective, a football field is only 300 feet long, so just play it safe and wait a few seconds after they pass to continue driving.

Okay, Lubbock drivers, I hope you took notes. The next time I'm driving and an ambulance passes by, I expect everyone to know what to do. Okay, maybe that's a big ask. I suppose I'll just start with making sure I know what to do.