REMINDER: Urgent Refresher Regarding Important Colorado Law
A major no-no unfolded earlier this morning at the intersection of 5th and Pitkin in Grand Junction. Here's a quick refresher course on a critical Colorado statute.
This Morning's Situation
Shortly before 8 this morning a number of emergency vehicles were dispatched from the Grand Junction Police Department at 555 Ute Avenue. Personally, I could hear the sirens from a half-mile away.
The emergency vehicles turned at 5th and Ute and began to proceed south towards the 5th Street overpass.
What's The Problem?
As stated above, the sirens could easily be heard, even from a distance of a half-mile or more. After all, we are talking about lights and sirens from several emergency vehicles.
As the police cars passed southbound through the intersection of 5th and Pitkin, not one but two civilian motorists failed to yield. Put simply, two cars blew the intersection of 5th and Pitkin, forcing the police vehicles to come to a complete stop.
According To The Books
According to FindLaw, the Colorado statute reads:
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals meeting the requirements of section 42-4-213 or 42-4-222 , the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and where possible shall immediately clear the farthest left-hand lane lawfully available to through traffic and shall drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of a roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
Why The Rant?
I'm curious to know what the two motorists were doing that was more important than paying attention? Talking on their phone? Perhaps drinking their coffee? Hair and makeup? How did they not notice the other cars pulling to the right?
There's a reason why motorists are required to make way for first responders. If you've ever been in a situation where you needed the services of an ambulance, firefighters, or law enforcement, you are very much aware of how critical time is.