Philippine law requires drivers to yield to emergency vehicles

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) appealed for motorists to pull over to the side of the road during times of emergency. The call comes after two fire trucks collided with two vehicles in separate incidents last Saturday at Burgos-Lacson Streets and along Araneta Street.

BFP-Bacolod Fire Marshall, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, said they were responding to a fire in Barangay 13 when the accidents occurred.

He said motorists should cooperate with authorities and give way in order to avoid a road collision.

In addition to the local BFP’s plea, the policy is already in the books.

Article V of RA 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, indicates: “Upon the approach of any police or fire department vehicle, or of an ambulance giving audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle shall immediately drive the same to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection of highways, and shall stop and remain in such position, unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, until such vehicle shall have passed.”/DGB, WDJ