What to Do When an Ambulance Approaches You While Driving in Texas
Driving on Texas roads means you’ll eventually hear the wail of sirens and see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. When an ambulance approaches, every second counts. Emergency responders are rushing to save lives, and how you react can make the difference between a smooth, safe passage or dangerous chaos on the road.
Unfortunately, many drivers freeze, panic, or make sudden unsafe maneuvers. Texas law is clear on what you should do when an ambulance approaches. By understanding the rules and practicing calm, safe driving, you can do your part to keep emergency crews moving quickly to those in need—and avoid costly traffic tickets or accidents.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Texas laws on yielding to ambulances and other emergency vehicles
Step-by-step instructions on what to do when you hear or see an ambulance
Common mistakes drivers make and how to avoid them
What happens if you fail to yield properly
Safety tips for different road conditions and traffic scenarios
Why Yielding to Ambulances Matters
Ambulances transport people in critical condition—heart attacks, strokes, traumatic injuries, and more. In these moments, seconds save lives. The American Heart Association notes that brain damage can begin within four minutes of cardiac arrest without treatment. If traffic delays an ambulance even slightly, it could have life-altering consequences for the patient inside.
Yielding is more than a legal obligation; it’s a moral responsibility. By responding correctly, you are part of the chain that helps save lives.
Texas Laws on Yielding to Ambulances
The Texas Transportation Code §545.156 requires all drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles, when they are using audible and visual signals (sirens and flashing lights).
The law requires you to:
Yield the right-of-way.
Immediately drive to a position parallel and as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, and points on your driving record. If your actions cause an accident, the consequences may include civil liability for damages and even criminal charges.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When an Ambulance Approaches in Texas
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you should do:
1. Stay Calm and Alert
The sound of sirens can startle you, but avoid panicking. Take a deep breath and prepare to act safely.
2. Check Your Surroundings
Look in your mirrors and check blind spots. Know where the ambulance is coming from before making a move.
3. Move to the Right
If you’re on a standard road or highway, signal and carefully steer your vehicle toward the right-hand side of the roadway.
4. Come to a Complete Stop
Once you’re safely to the right, stop your vehicle. Don’t just slow down; the law requires you to stop.
5. Wait Until It Passes
Remain stopped until the ambulance has passed completely and it is safe to merge back into traffic.
Special Situations on Texas Roads
Not all driving conditions are straightforward. Here’s how to handle specific scenarios:
Multi-Lane Roads and Highways
If you’re on a multi-lane road: Move to the rightmost lane as soon as it’s safe.
If traffic is too congested: Stay where you are but do not block intersections or lanes the ambulance is using.
Intersections
If you’re stopped at a red light: Stay put unless you can move right without entering the intersection.
If you’re already in the intersection: Clear it quickly by proceeding through safely, then pull over.
Freeways
Ambulances often use the shoulder. If you’re in heavy freeway traffic, move right if possible but avoid blocking the shoulder. Stay stopped until the ambulance passes.
One-Way Streets
Move to the nearest edge of the roadway, whether left or right, and stop until the ambulance passes.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
Even experienced drivers sometimes mishandle emergency situations. Avoid these errors:
Stopping in the middle of the road: This can block the ambulance’s path. Always pull to the right.
Following too closely after the ambulance passes: Tailgating an emergency vehicle is dangerous and illegal.
Blocking intersections: Never stop in an intersection; clear it before pulling over.
Sudden swerving: Jerky movements can cause accidents. Always signal and move smoothly.
What Happens If You Fail to Yield
Failing to yield to an ambulance in Texas can have serious consequences.
Traffic Ticket: Fines can reach several hundred dollars.
Driver’s License Points: Multiple violations can impact your driving record.
Increased Insurance Rates: Insurers may view failure to yield as risky behavior.
Civil Liability: If your failure causes a crash, you may be held financially responsible.
Criminal Charges: In extreme cases where injury or death occurs, charges could include negligence or reckless driving.
Safety Tips for Drivers in Texas
Stay Aware: Avoid distractions like phones or loud music that could drown out sirens.
Give Extra Room: Ambulances are larger vehicles and may swing wide when turning.
Expect More Vehicles: Fire trucks or police may follow the ambulance. Stay stopped until all emergency vehicles pass.
Night Driving: Flashing lights are easier to miss at night. Check your mirrors regularly.
Bad Weather: Rain or fog can muffle sirens. Be extra attentive in poor conditions.
The Role of the “Move Over” Law in Texas
While most people associate the Texas Move Over/Slow Down Law with stopped emergency vehicles on the side of the road, it also underscores the need for caution around active emergency responders. If an ambulance has stopped on the roadside with lights activated, you must either change lanes or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
Why This Matters for Accident Victims
Understanding how to respond to emergency vehicles isn’t just about avoiding tickets. Imagine your loved one is inside that ambulance. You’d want every driver on the road to do everything possible to clear the way.
At Carrollton Injury Law, we see the aftermath of accidents every day. Many involve drivers who were distracted or failed to follow traffic laws. By following Texas laws and driving responsibly, you protect yourself, your passengers, and the first responders working tirelessly to save lives.
What If You’re Involved in an Accident With an Ambulance?
Collisions involving ambulances are rare but can happen, especially in busy urban areas. If you’re struck by or collide with an emergency vehicle:
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible.
Call for Help: Contact 911 to report the crash.
Exchange Information: Collect details from witnesses and responding officers.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries may not appear immediately.
Contact a Lawyer: If you were injured, speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer to understand your rights.
Conclusion
When an ambulance approaches you in Texas, your responsibility is clear: move to the right, stop, and let it pass safely. Doing so ensures first responders can reach those in need as quickly as possible—and keeps you compliant with state law.
By staying alert, avoiding common mistakes, and respecting emergency vehicles, you play a direct role in protecting lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a driver who failed to yield to an ambulance—or if you’ve been harmed in any roadway collision—Carrollton Injury Law is here to help. We put the personal back into personal injury law, and we stand ready to guide you through the legal process with care and dedication.
FAQ: What to Do When an Ambulance Approaches in Texas
Do I always have to pull over when I hear an ambulance?
Yes. If the ambulance has sirens and flashing lights activated, Texas law requires you to yield and stop.
What if I’m on a one-way street?
Pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway, whether right or left, and stop until the ambulance passes.
Can I follow closely behind an ambulance to get through traffic faster?
No. Following an ambulance too closely is dangerous and illegal. You must wait until traffic resumes normally.
What should I do if I’m in an intersection when the ambulance arrives?
Clear the intersection safely, then pull to the right and stop. Never stop in the middle of the intersection.
What happens if I don’t yield to an ambulance?
You could face fines, points on your license, increased insurance rates, and civil liability if an accident occurs.
Does the “Move Over” law apply to moving ambulances?
The law primarily applies to stopped emergency vehicles, but you should always yield to moving ambulances with lights and sirens.
