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Why moving over for first responders is so important

Posted at 4:24 PM, Jan 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-29 18:30:31-05

KALISPELL – Emergency responders in the Flathead Valley are asking for your help to keep the roads safe.

It is Montana law to yield and move to the right side of the road when emergency vehicles are trying to pass you.

Captain James Boyce with Evergreen Fire and Rescue tells us when people don’t move over to the right side it significantly impacts their response times, and it’s dangerous for others on the road.

“The most dangerous place for us is on the highways, so giving us our space is of the utmost importance to protect our responders, tow truck drivers, everyone else to give us space time and slow down,” Boyce said. “Move over, basically.”

Boyce also wants to remind motorists that if they come across a vehicle accident on the highway to move over to the left lane to give emergency crews space to work.

If the speed limit is above 50 mph the driver must slow down by at least 20 mph below the speed limit.​

Reporting by Maren Siu for MTN News