Edmonton’s emergency services urging drivers to take caution when passing emergency vehicles
Posted August 14, 2025 6:30 pm.
Edmonton’s emergency services are urging drivers to “look, move, and stop” when they see emergency vehicles.
The plea comes as several first responders and tow truck operators have had close calls while dealing with matters on Edmonton’s roads.
“We’ve had a summer of close calls. Every time we stop on a roadway, we’re working just inches away at times from live traffic. This can be on roads where drivers are going 100 km/h or more,” said Inspector Brad Mandrusiak of EPS’s Traffic Services Section.
“At higher speeds, the ability of a driver and vehicle to respond in time to avoid an accident creates very real risk – both for the driver and all the other people using the roadway, including first responders.”
Before adding, “The margins are really quite thin. And it’s not enough to think or pretend it won’t happen to you. It’s a simple ask: if you see an emergency vehicle pulled over on the side of the road, please do your part, slow down, and give us space to work safely.”
While close calls have happened over the summer, sometimes first responders aren’t so lucky.
On Dec. 20, 2024, Constable Chandler Coderre and his partner were blocking a lane of traffic for a tow truck when the police vehicle and the tow truck were hit by another vehicle on Anthony Henday Drive.
“My partner and I were sitting in the vehicle watching cars fly past us, even with our lights activated. I remember thinking no one is slowing down,” said Constable Chandler Coderre.
“That’s when my partner looked at me and said he was going to put on his seatbelt even though we were stationary. Some time passed, and while we were sitting there, I heard a big bang behind us and then felt the collision.”
Both officers and the driver of the vehicle were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Traffic Safety Act
Aside from the plea, drivers are already required to reduce their speed to 60 km/h when passing a stopped ambulance, fire truck, police cruiser, or tow truck.
That requirement is part of Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, which came into effect on Sept. 1, 2023.
If a driver is able to do so, they should also safely change lanes to allow more space for first responders.
“Our top priority is saving lives. Traffic and speeding are a significant concerns when en route to and from an emergency situation. We’re asking motorists to simply help us out, to not be an obstacle, obstruction or hazard,” said Mandrusiak.
Michelle Chimko, the president & CEO of the Alberta Motor Association, added, “Behind those flashing lights on emergency and roadside vehicles are real people—Albertans helping Albertans.”
“Slowing down and moving over isn’t just the law and doesn’t just protect those who call the roadside their workplace, it also protects Albertans in need of assistance, ensuring everyone can get home safely—and that’s something we all deserve.”
Kaylee Pfeifer, with Emergency Medical Services, says the priority will always be safety first.
“This includes the safety of our patients, our staff, and the public at large. This also means that we all have a role to play in ensuring safety for everyone. Please help us work safely and efficiently by doing your part in making room for emergency vehicles,” she said.
Driving recommendations
Edmonton police are reminding drivers to always be alert of their surroundings while driving. This includes being aware of other drivers, looking in all directions, including behind you.
If you see an emergency vehicle coming to pass you, signal and move to the right shoulder, if possible. Stop and make sure all emergency vehicles have passed before signalling and returning to traffic, when it is safe to do so.
If you see flashing lights — from an ambulance, police vehicle, fire truck, tow truck or a construction vehicle — reduce your speed.
Police are also advising drivers to take extra caution on Anthony Henday Drive, the QEII, Whitemud Drive, and Yellowhead Trail.
For more on how EPS is taking traffic safety seriously, click here.
