If you are ever driving through certain parts of Essex County you may have encountered a vehicle with green flashing lights and wondered what does it mean and whot should I do?
In Ontario, a flashing green light on a vehicle indicates that a volunteer firefighter is responding to an emergency. They may be on their way to the fire station or they may be heading directly to the scene, regardless they need to arrive quickly.
The use of flashing green lights by volunteer firefighters is permitted under the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario, however these vehicles are not classified as emergency vehicles. The green light does not grant volunteer firefighters any special driving privileges, they still need to obey speed limits, stop signs, and other traffic laws while responding.
So what should you do when you encounter a vehicle with green flashing lights? Unlike with other first responders like police, EMS, and fire trucks, you not legally mandated to pull over. However, it's strongly encouraged for drivers to do so and allow the firefighter to pass to let them get to where they need to be quicker.
In Essex County you may encounter these vehicles in our towns with volunteer firefighters such as Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, LaSalle, Lakeshore, Leamington, and Tecumseh.
So if you see a flashing green light, safely pull over to the side of the road if you can and allow the firefighter to pass.
Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, and Chatham, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!
