04/22/2025
Important Notice to Residents and Drivers in New Salem
from Emergency Services
We would like to bring to your attention an important matter concerning road safety and the
well-being of our community. As you may know, emergency services which includes
ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles must navigate our streets swiftly to respond to
urgent situations. Ensuring their unhindered passage is critical to providing care for the sick
or injured and maintaining public safety.
Move to the Right
When you see an emergency vehicle approaching with activated sirens and flashing lights,
it is imperative that you move to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop if
possible. This allows the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly. Remember, their
speed and ability to reach their destination can make the difference between life and
death.
In our town, we have many dirt roads, paved roads, sharp turns, and hills. Please complete
any turns safely, then pull over to the right as soon as possible to avoid losing control of
your vehicle. Once you have pulled over, STOP. This allows emergency vehicles to pass
without the risk of a collision.
Never turn in front of an emergency vehicle and never stop directly in front of them. You
must move over to the right. If you are near where emergency vehicles are responding, pull
over and wait for all of them to pass. Swerving between them or trying to get ahead
especially if you are headed to the same location as a loved one can create a dangerous
situation. We understand your concern, however, causing an accident could delay care for
your loved one and others.
Remember, it is the law to yield to emergency vehicles, and failure to do so may result in
fines if delays or accidents are caused.
Safe Driving Practices
We urge all drivers to remain cautious and adhere to the following safe driving practices:
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Keep music and in-car entertainment at a volume that allows you to hear sirens and
horns. Depending on road conditions and your speed, you may not hear a siren until
the emergency vehicle is as close as 40 feet.
• Do not use your mobile phone while driving unless using a hands-free device.
Recording accidents or other incidents is a dangerous distraction and can lead to
further accidents.
• Follow all speed limits and traffic regulations. Slow down near emergency vehicles,
construction sites, tow trucks, and road workers—these individuals are at high risk
while on the roadway.
• Do not block intersections or obstruct roadways.
As always, we ask for your cooperation in spreading awareness about these critical safety
practices to ensure the efficiency of emergency responses and the safety of all residents.
Let’s work together to make New Salem’s roads safer for everyone.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to road safety.
Sincerely,
Amy Kruger
Emergency Coordinator
New Salem Emergency Services
