What happens if an emergency vehicle collides with a pedestrian while responding to an emergency? What takes precedence in that situation?
What happens if an emergency vehicle collides with a pedestrian while responding to an emergency? What takes precedence in that situation?
In most jurisdictions, emergency vehicles responding to calls have the right of way, but they are also required to exercise due caution. If an emergency vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the circumstances surrounding the incident will be carefully evaluated. Factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the behavior of the pedestrian, the presence of lights and sirens, and local traffic laws will play a significant role in determining liability.
Generally, while the emergency vehicle’s priority is to respond quickly to emergencies, the safety of pedestrians is also critical, and drivers of emergency vehicles are trained to navigate situations safely to minimize risks. Ultimately, investigations will seek to establish whether appropriate measures were taken to avoid the accident and whether the pedestrian was following traffic laws.