In response to concerns expressed by local emergency responders, Santa Clarita officials have launched a new public safety campaign to educate local motorists about the need to pull to the right when emergency vehicles with lights and sirens approach.

“Pull to the Right for Sirens and Lights” is aimed at educating the driving public about the California Vehicle Code requirement for all vehicles to pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches displaying its lights and sounding its siren.

“It seems to be a trend in this community to believe that emergency personnel will simply go around a vehicle as long as they stop,” said Sheriff Captain Roosevelt Johnson. “When everyone assumes this, first responders are often delayed.”

California Vehicle Code Section 21806 states that when an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights on and siren sounding, all vehicles must immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes. This includes vehicles on the opposite side of the street, even if a median is present in the roadway.

“What if it were your emergency an ambulance or fire engine was responding to?” asked Assistant Fire Chief Gregory Hisel. “Pulling to the right of the road and stopping takes just a few moments. It’s those moments that are precious when someone’s life is on the line,” he explains.

Day and nighttime law enforcement operations will commence this Fall in an effort to reduce the breach of right-of-way laws. Violations of California Vehicle Code Section 21806 could result in up to $100 in fines.

For more information about the “Pull to the Right for Sirens and Lights” campaign, visit santa-clarita.com/PullRightSCV.