Jonah Patel
Pulling over to the side of the road is a manoeuvre that can be dangerous, but it is sometimes necessary in an emergency. When a driver pulls over and exits their vehicle, they become a pedestrian, and pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle. This means that the likelihood of a serious or fatal accident is much higher. However, there are circumstances in which pulling over to the shoulder is the best option. For example, if a driver is having car trouble, they can lawfully pull over to the shoulder of the highway. This is preferable to stopping in a lane, as it ensures the driver is not blocking the flow of traffic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to pull over | In the case of an emergency, such as car trouble |
| When an emergency vehicle with lights and siren is approaching | |
| Action to take when pulling over | Use blinkers and hazard lights to warn other drivers |
| Pull over to the right side of the road or shoulder, clear of any intersection | |
| Move as far to the right as safely possible | |
| Pull over as far as possible, even off the shoulder if the ground next to the pavement is even | |
| If in the left lane, pull over to the right lane as traffic in the right lane moves over | |
| If you can't move to the right, just stop | |
| If you're at a red stop light, stay where you are | |
| If you can't pull over, slow down to a reasonable speed | |
| If you're in traffic, moving to the right along with the rest of the traffic may be the only option | |
| Don't stop across an intersection or a driveway | |
| Don't try to outrun an emergency vehicle | |
| Don't follow an emergency vehicle too closely | |
| Don't pass a moving emergency vehicle while it's using its lights and siren | |
| Don't stop in the lane unless you are unable to move over |
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What You'll Learn
It is dangerous to be a pedestrian on a highway shoulder
Highway shoulders are designed for emergency stops by vehicles and are not intended as substitutes for well-designed pedestrian facilities. When a vehicle pulls over to the side of the road, its occupants become pedestrians and are exposed to the same dangers. The high-speed traffic on highways limits reaction times and visibility, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, motorists traveling behind a vehicle that is slowing down to pull over onto the shoulder may not be paying attention and could potentially rear-end or side-swipe the vehicle.
The dangers to pedestrians on highway shoulders are further exacerbated by the lack of lighting on highways compared to local streets. This makes pedestrians even more difficult for drivers to see, increasing the risk of being hit. Distracted or inattentive drivers may also pose a threat, as they may not maintain a safe distance from pedestrians or may veer towards them instead of away.
In some states, such as New York, pedestrians are permitted to use the shoulders of most state highways, except for controlled-access highways like interstates and parkways. However, this does not negate the inherent dangers of being a pedestrian on a highway shoulder. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) encourages the use of specific proven pedestrian safety countermeasures, such as the inclusion of walkways and paved shoulders, to enhance pedestrian safety.
To minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, pedestrians should follow safety guidelines such as walking on sidewalks or, if unavailable, facing traffic and staying as far from traffic as possible. It is also crucial to cross streets at crosswalks or intersections and remain vigilant by looking for cars in all directions. These precautions can help reduce the dangers associated with being a pedestrian on a highway shoulder, but the safest option is always to avoid walking on highway shoulders whenever possible.
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Use blinkers and hazard lights to warn other drivers
Pulling over to the side of the road in an emergency can be dangerous. When you exit your vehicle, you become a pedestrian, and your chances of getting hit by a fast-moving vehicle increase significantly. In the United States, pedestrians on highways account for about 10% of all pedestrian fatalities, with an average of 515 people being struck and killed by a motorist on the interstate each year from 1993 to 2012.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to use blinkers and hazard lights to warn other drivers when you need to pull over. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for doing so:
Use Blinkers to Indicate Your Intentions:
Before switching lanes to reach the shoulder, always use your blinkers to signal your intentions to other drivers. This simple action can help prevent sudden lane changes that may startle other drivers and increase the risk of accidents. Remember, other drivers may not be expecting a vehicle to pull over, so giving them advance warning is crucial.
Turn on Your Hazard Lights:
Once you have signalled your lane change, turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible. Hazard lights will indicate to drivers around you that you are experiencing an emergency situation and need to pull over. This warning can help them be more cautious and attentive, reducing the chances of them colliding with your vehicle.
Be Aware of High-Speed Lanes:
When possible, avoid pulling over in high-speed lanes, such as the left lane on a highway. These lanes have higher speed limits, reducing reaction times and visibility for other drivers. Instead, try to reach the right lane, as it is typically the slowest lane, providing more time for others to notice your hazard lights and blinkers.
Pull Over as Far as Possible:
Even if you are on the right lane, ensure you pull over as far as possible onto the shoulder. Creating more distance between your vehicle and the roadway increases your safety. If the ground next to the pavement is even, consider pulling off the shoulder entirely to maximise the distance from passing vehicles.
Stay in Your Vehicle if Possible:
While this instruction does not directly relate to blinkers and hazard lights, it is a crucial aspect of safety when pulled over. Unless absolutely necessary, remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Exiting your vehicle puts you in a highly vulnerable position, with little to no protection from passing traffic.
Remember, while using blinkers and hazard lights is essential to warning other drivers, it is just one aspect of safely pulling over in an emergency. Always be mindful of your surroundings, follow local laws and regulations, and use your best judgment to ensure your safety and that of other road users.
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Highways have shoulders for vehicles to pull over in emergencies
Highways are designed with shoulders to provide a safe space for vehicles to pull over in an emergency. However, stopping on the shoulder of a highway can be risky due to high-speed traffic and low visibility, especially at night. In an emergency, it is crucial to follow specific procedures to ensure your safety.
Firstly, activating your blinkers and hazard lights alerts other drivers to your presence and intention to switch lanes. When pulling over, gradually slow down by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator to avoid abrupt braking, which can startle drivers behind you. Aim to pull over as far as possible, creating a safe distance between your vehicle and the roadway. If feasible, consider pulling off the shoulder entirely if the ground next to the pavement is even.
In the event of an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens, driving laws require you to yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the right side of the roadway. This applies regardless of the direction of travel or the number of lanes, unless there is a physical barrier, such as a median, dividing the highway. It is important to stay alert and use your mirrors to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
While pulling over to the shoulder in an emergency is sometimes necessary, it is essential to prioritize your safety. If you cannot pull over safely, move as far to the right as possible along with the rest of the traffic. Additionally, be cautious when driving near emergency vehicles that are parked or working at an accident scene, maintaining a safe distance of at least 500 feet.
In summary, while highways provide shoulders for vehicles to pull over in emergencies, it is a risky manoeuvre that requires careful execution. Always prioritize safety, remain vigilant, and follow the appropriate procedures to minimize danger and effectively handle emergencies on the road.
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Pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass
Pulling over to the side of the road and exiting your vehicle can be dangerous. When you become a pedestrian on a highway shoulder, you are no longer protected by your car, and the chances of getting hit by a fast-moving vehicle are high. In the United States, pedestrians on highways account for about 10% of all pedestrian fatalities, with an average of 515 people being struck and killed by a motorist on the interstate each year from 1993 to 2012.
However, there are times when pulling over to the shoulder is necessary. If you are experiencing car trouble or another emergency, you can lawfully pull over to the side of the road. Highways are designed with shoulders to allow a space for vehicles to pull off in an emergency. When doing so, use your blinkers and hazard lights to warn other drivers. Pull over as far as possible to put as much space as you can between your car and the roadway.
When an emergency vehicle approaches, driving laws require you to pull over and allow them to pass. The law requires that "upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle," all other drivers shall yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the right side of the roadway clear of any intersection and remaining stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. This rule applies regardless of the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle or the number of lanes, unless the lanes are divided by a median or barrier. If you are on the opposite side of a divided highway, you do not need to slow down or stop.
Remember, you should never pull over if you can't do so safely or if it would require breaking the law. Do not put yourself or other drivers in danger while attempting to pull over. When pulling over for an emergency vehicle, move over to the right as best you can, even if you are in the right lane. If you cannot move to the right, just stop where you are. Be careful when driving near a situation where emergency vehicles are parked and personnel are working, staying at least 500 feet behind.
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Don't stop across an intersection
Pulling over to the side of the road in an emergency is sometimes necessary, but it can be dangerous. When you exit your vehicle, you become a pedestrian, and pedestrians account for a significant percentage of fatalities on highways. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks and follow safety guidelines when pulling over.
One important rule to remember when pulling over in an emergency is to not stop across an intersection. Blocking an intersection can cause gridlock and disrupt the flow of traffic. It is important to be mindful of other drivers and avoid creating obstacles that could lead to accidents or congestion.
- Four-way stops: When approaching a four-way stop intersection, the right-of-way typically belongs to the first vehicle to arrive. If multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. If two vehicles are head-to-head, the vehicle going straight has the right-of-way over the one turning. If both vehicles intend to turn in opposite directions (one turning left, the other turning right), the vehicle turning right has the right-of-way. Using turn signals and maintaining alertness are crucial in such situations.
- Uncontrolled intersections: At uncontrolled intersections without traffic signs or signals, right-of-way rules become crucial. Slow down and use caution when approaching these intersections. The vehicle that arrived first typically has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the left yields to the one on the right. Always yield to oncoming traffic if you're turning left and be cautious of pedestrians, as they are harder to see and have the right-of-way.
- T-intersections: T-intersections, where two roads meet and one ends, do not follow the general right-of-way rules. In such cases, it is essential to be cautious and follow road positioning and directional rules to determine the right-of-way.
- Yielding to pedestrians: In most states, pedestrian safety is prioritized, and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks and intersections. Always maintain a safe distance, remain vigilant, and be prepared to yield to pedestrians.
Remember, when pulling over in an emergency, use your blinkers and hazard lights to warn other drivers. Try to pull over to the right side of the road and as far away from the roadway as possible to create a safe distance from traffic. While it is important to follow traffic rules, your safety should always come first. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, use your best judgment to get to a safe location without endangering yourself or others.
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Frequently asked questions
Pulling over to the shoulder is permissible when you have an emergency of some sort. This could include car trouble or another emergency.
There are several risks associated with pulling over to the shoulder, including the risk of being hit by a fast-moving vehicle, the risk of being rear-ended or side-swiped by a car that isn't paying attention, and the risk of pedestrian accidents when exiting the vehicle.
The law requires that upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, all other drivers shall yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the right side of the roadway clear of any intersection and remaining stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. This applies to roadways without barriers, regardless of the number of lanes.
Yes, there are some exceptions to this rule. You are not allowed to break the law to pull out of the way, you should not put yourself or other drivers in danger, and you don't have to stop if you're driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway or at a red stop light.
