Why Do Members Have Warning Lights?
Members use warning lights in their personal vehicles in an attempt to lessen the time it takes to respond to an emergency.
If you've lived in Dobbs Ferry for any amount of time, you've undoubtedly seen normal looking cars and trucks with flashing lights on them. To many, this can be confusing as most of the time these vehicles have no identifying markings and do not utilize sirens or audible warnings.
Vehicles with green flashing lights are members of a volunteer EMS agency and are responding to an emergency.
Vehicles with blue flashing lights are members of the Fire department and are also responding to an emergency. Because many members of the Fire department in Dobbs Ferry (and other towns) are also involved with EMS, they often respond to both types of emergencies using this color of light.
Many emergency responders in Dobbs Ferry have these lights on their cars and so spotting one is fairly common. New York State has laws governing the distribution and use of volunteer warning lights. These lights are also called "courtesy" lights because other drivers are asked to be courteous and allow them to pass. Keep in mind that members using these lights are responding to emergency situations where time is often a critical factor. Your cooperation in moving aside for a volunteer could save a life. We ask that you think of your own family and friends when you see a responding volunteer.
Please do not confuse "courtesy" lights with the warning lights and audible warnings mounted on Police, Fire and EMS emergency vehicles. You are required by law to clear the road for these vehicles and failing to do so is a serious traffic violation. If you see an ambulance, fire truck or police car approaching from either direction, you are required to pull your vehicle to the right side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. |
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