http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751 Too often I am driving or riding, and I see a COMPLETE FAILURE of the public to yield or pull over and give the Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles. I do not understand why it is so hard to hear or see a Very Large Fire Engine or Ambulance with their Very Loud Sirens and Very Bright Lights on. What is even more puzzling is that more times than none the drivers have their windows down.!!! Better yet is when they have a Fire Department/Ambulance Sticker on their back window!!!! Don't tell me they cannot hear those sirens and horns. Now I know someone will ask do I work on a Fire Engine or Ambulance and the answer is YES I DO! When seconds count and emergency services are delayed because of somebody that will not yield it is somebodies family member possible dying, or somebodies house burning down with someone possible trapped inside. More and more lately when we pass by we get dirty looks because GOD FORBID we inconvenience them when they finally do pull over. All I ask is for everybody to pay more attention to their surroundings because who knows the life you save may be your own!! At the top you will see and should read the Emergency Vehicle section from the California Drivers Handbook 2007. Thank You and I'll see you on the street.   Too often I am driving or riding, and I see a COMPLETE FAILURE of the public to yield or pull over and give the Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles. I do not understand why it is so hard to hear or see a Very Large Fire Engine or Ambulance with their Very Loud Sirens and Very Bright Lights on. What is even more puzzling is that more times than none the drivers have their windows down.!!! Better yet is when they have a Fire Department/Ambulance Sticker on their back window!!!! Don't tell me they cannot hear those sirens and horns. Now I know someone will ask do I work on a Fire Engine or Ambulance and the answer is YES I DO! When seconds count and emergency services are delayed because of somebody that will not yield it is somebodies family member possible dying, or somebodies house burning down with someone possible trapped inside. More and more lately when we pass by we get dirty looks because GOD FORBID we inconvenience them when they finally do pull over. All I ask is for everybody to pay more attention to their surroundings because who knows the life you save may be your own!! At the top you will see and should read the Emergency Vehicle section from the California Drivers Handbook 2007. Thank You and I'll see you on the street.   en-us They give you those looks because they know that 2 hours later they will also have to yield to the ambulance that is responding from Fresno or Bishop.  If you pay attention to this site long enough you will see that most here have no respect for the first responders in our community.  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114103 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114103 They give you those looks because they know that 2 hours later they will also have to yield to the ambulance that is responding from Fresno or Bishop.  If you pay attention to this site long enough you will see that most here have no respect for the first responders in our community.  Anonymous - You need not give those comments. I see that you truely dont care about obeying the law. I see now why you post the way you do. Its ok. Have a wonderful hopefully safe day!! And I do pay attention to this community. And contrary to what you say I do see a lot of respect for Emergency Services in OUR community. Of course we can all exclude you. You have no pride even with yourself, due to you hiding behind a cloud of "Anonymous"  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114121 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114121 Anonymous - You need not give those comments. I see that you truely dont care about obeying the law. I see now why you post the way you do. Its ok. Have a wonderful hopefully safe day!! And I do pay attention to this community. And contrary to what you say I do see a lot of respect for Emergency Services in OUR community. Of course we can all exclude you. You have no pride even with yourself, due to you hiding behind a cloud of "Anonymous"  Ok tehachapidad, not that i am sticking up for anonymous, anonymous in any way shape or form, I usually dont like his comments.  But your profile is a picture of Yoda and your profile says I live in Kern County, I live in Tehachapi.  Its all pretty anonymous isnt it? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114130 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114130 Ok tehachapidad, not that i am sticking up for anonymous, anonymous in any way shape or form, I usually dont like his comments.  But your profile is a picture of Yoda and your profile says I live in Kern County, I live in Tehachapi.  Its all pretty anonymous isnt it? Oh and by the way, i always yield for emergency vehicles.  ALWAYS and in San Diego traffic it gets difficult sometimes:) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114132 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114132 Oh and by the way, i always yield for emergency vehicles.  ALWAYS and in San Diego traffic it gets difficult sometimes:) Thanks Jewels.I do this because I dont have a pic of myself right now. When I get one I will apply one. But thank you very much for pulling to the right. Its much appreciated all the time. I understand because of traffic, but sometimes its just not paying attention. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114137 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114137 Thanks Jewels.I do this because I dont have a pic of myself right now. When I get one I will apply one. But thank you very much for pulling to the right. Its much appreciated all the time. I understand because of traffic, but sometimes its just not paying attention. Is that better Jewels? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114143 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114143 Is that better Jewels? How many "non-yielders" have a cell phone (blue tooth) stuck in their ear?  Those driving/talkers are so very irritating. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114205 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114205 How many "non-yielders" have a cell phone (blue tooth) stuck in their ear?  Those driving/talkers are so very irritating. Plenty!!!!! Just because its hands free doesnt mean that it is safer. You are still distracted by your conversation. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114206 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114206 Plenty!!!!! Just because its hands free doesnt mean that it is safer. You are still distracted by your conversation. ahhhhhhhh, much better tehachapidad, you look like Robert Redford in this pic :) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114413 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114413 ahhhhhhhh, much better tehachapidad, you look like Robert Redford in this pic :)   I've read all of the comments on this blog, and I think it's just plain "chicken" to post blogs with no information about "who you are". You want to voice your opinion, yet you don't want to reveal anything about yourself.  I'm not sure I understand what purpose that serves unless you just want to vent your anger.  My picture is  posted, but that doesn't mean I'm giving out my home address.  If you have something to say, it would be nice to know something about you, other wise it's just like talking to the computer.   Now, to "address" the subject :  I was driving up Westwood the other day when the fire dept came racing down the hill. I had very little time to slow down and pull over; but I did.  That is the law, and Everybody that has a drivers license knows that pulling over to the side is what you are supposed to do. I wonder how many people who don't care about this Law Would Care if they were waiting for the paramedics to get their home for an emergency?  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114595 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114595   I've read all of the comments on this blog, and I think it's just plain "chicken" to post blogs with no information about "who you are". You want to voice your opinion, yet you don't want to reveal anything about yourself.  I'm not sure I understand what purpose that serves unless you just want to vent your anger.  My picture is  posted, but that doesn't mean I'm giving out my home address.  If you have something to say, it would be nice to know something about you, other wise it's just like talking to the computer.   Now, to "address" the subject :  I was driving up Westwood the other day when the fire dept came racing down the hill. I had very little time to slow down and pull over; but I did.  That is the law, and Everybody that has a drivers license knows that pulling over to the side is what you are supposed to do. I wonder how many people who don't care about this Law Would Care if they were waiting for the paramedics to get their home for an emergency?  Well I have a real pic and a name, but is it really me? LOL!  Please pull over for the fire tuck, cops and ambulance. It is not only the law but it is safer for you and the emergency responders. The big thing I see is when an emergency vehicle is going down 202 and on coming traffic pulls over, then some nut uses the opportunity to pass the guy pulling over. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114616 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_114616 Well I have a real pic and a name, but is it really me? LOL!  Please pull over for the fire tuck, cops and ambulance. It is not only the law but it is safer for you and the emergency responders. The big thing I see is when an emergency vehicle is going down 202 and on coming traffic pulls over, then some nut uses the opportunity to pass the guy pulling over. It really pisses me off when I see people not yielding to any emergency vehicles.  The last thing they need to worry about is some idiot not getting out of the way, or pulling out in front of them. My mother was rushed to the hospital after suffering a massive heart attack, she passed away  that night but I know the paramedics did everything they could. PLEASE pull over for them you never know whose life you could be saving. Thank you to all Firemen , Paramedics, & Police officers for all you do. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_115048 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_115048 It really pisses me off when I see people not yielding to any emergency vehicles.  The last thing they need to worry about is some idiot not getting out of the way, or pulling out in front of them. My mother was rushed to the hospital after suffering a massive heart attack, she passed away  that night but I know the paramedics did everything they could. PLEASE pull over for them you never know whose life you could be saving. Thank you to all Firemen , Paramedics, & Police officers for all you do. Just want to add a foot note here... To all you CO's out at the prison:  YOU ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM BEING TICKETED FOR FAILING TO YEILD!!!! EVERYTIME YOU DO I WILL CALL THE SARGENT & REPORT YOUR LICENSE PLATE!!!!  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_251147 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_251147 Just want to add a foot note here... To all you CO's out at the prison:  YOU ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM BEING TICKETED FOR FAILING TO YEILD!!!! EVERYTIME YOU DO I WILL CALL THE SARGENT & REPORT YOUR LICENSE PLATE!!!!  snitch........... http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_251187 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_251187 snitch........... Actually I have seen numerous times where people coming out of the prison fail to yield. AVEMT is not being a snitch. Although calling the Sergeant probably wont go far, but after a high volume of calls regarding the same thing it might. But more than one person would need to call. The failure to yield is a problem that I have seen over many years of driving. And unfortunately it is not going to stop anytime soon. With the influx of people we have had in Tehachapi over the last few years, and the roads not getting any bigger, it is bound to only get worse for all the emergency vehicles.   And let me guess Gube - You dont yield for anything because you are who you are and the world revolves around only you. :)- http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252370 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252370 Actually I have seen numerous times where people coming out of the prison fail to yield. AVEMT is not being a snitch. Although calling the Sergeant probably wont go far, but after a high volume of calls regarding the same thing it might. But more than one person would need to call. The failure to yield is a problem that I have seen over many years of driving. And unfortunately it is not going to stop anytime soon. With the influx of people we have had in Tehachapi over the last few years, and the roads not getting any bigger, it is bound to only get worse for all the emergency vehicles.   And let me guess Gube - You dont yield for anything because you are who you are and the world revolves around only you. :)- Trucker1 I always yield for lights and sirens.....Its the law.....I used to drive an ambulance years ago so i know first hand how important it is to move out of their way. The snitch remark was probably out of line but come on the ''I'm going to call your Sargent'' remark is funny........Just sounded kind of childish that's all. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252399 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252399 Trucker1 I always yield for lights and sirens.....Its the law.....I used to drive an ambulance years ago so i know first hand how important it is to move out of their way. The snitch remark was probably out of line but come on the ''I'm going to call your Sargent'' remark is funny........Just sounded kind of childish that's all. It''s irritating to see an Ambulance or any other emergency vehicle coming, and watching those in front of me or behind me ignore it.  C'mon people what do think the lights, sirens, horns are for.  It means I'm on an Emergency call, please give me the right of way. Another one that people have forgot is the respect you give when there are cars going to a cemetary to bury a loved one.  It's called respect.  That's what we do as American's.  We pull over out of respect for the mourning.  I don't care if the line is 3 miles deep.  Pull your butt over, and show some respect.  We are quickly growing into a country that no longer respects anyone. I think I'm an angry blogger lately. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252407 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252407 It''s irritating to see an Ambulance or any other emergency vehicle coming, and watching those in front of me or behind me ignore it.  C'mon people what do think the lights, sirens, horns are for.  It means I'm on an Emergency call, please give me the right of way. Another one that people have forgot is the respect you give when there are cars going to a cemetary to bury a loved one.  It's called respect.  That's what we do as American's.  We pull over out of respect for the mourning.  I don't care if the line is 3 miles deep.  Pull your butt over, and show some respect.  We are quickly growing into a country that no longer respects anyone. I think I'm an angry blogger lately.  Well I start slowing down as soon as I hear them, sometimes you can't even tell which direction they are coming from I always hear them before I actually see them. The other day I was in Lancaster by the outlet mall and my light had just turned green when I heard sirens so I just sat there until I knew from where they came and waited till they passed and went on about my business, if I miss one light cycle it's not the end of the world. Now 202 stinks as far as places to pull over but the second I can I do. I admire what you guys do I can't imagine having to try and "think" about how each and every driver is going to react when they hear you, and also try to maneuver a large fire truck through traffic. Thank You and I hope your blog reaches a few of these people and changes their opinion.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252413 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252413  Well I start slowing down as soon as I hear them, sometimes you can't even tell which direction they are coming from I always hear them before I actually see them. The other day I was in Lancaster by the outlet mall and my light had just turned green when I heard sirens so I just sat there until I knew from where they came and waited till they passed and went on about my business, if I miss one light cycle it's not the end of the world. Now 202 stinks as far as places to pull over but the second I can I do. I admire what you guys do I can't imagine having to try and "think" about how each and every driver is going to react when they hear you, and also try to maneuver a large fire truck through traffic. Thank You and I hope your blog reaches a few of these people and changes their opinion.   It is the biggest pain to have someone not yield yet those are the members of the public who yell and throw fits if you are not to their house fast enough. Its kind of hypocritical!  I thank everyone who does pull over. It is much appreciated.  On a another note is ambulance tailgaters- I think the the most interesting part is when someone in a elevated or raised vehicle get as close as they can to see in the back of your ambulance to see if they can see something.  I sure they would not appreciate that if the role was reversed yet it happens almost every time I transport somebody. Also when we are going Code 3(Lights & Sirens) and drivers get really close to us to try and squeeze through traffic as if we were Moses and parting the Red Sea! Come on people!!!! What would happen if the Ambulance or Fire Engine were to stop suddenly. Then you slam into the back of the emergency vehicle. The end result is now that emergency vehicle has to stop and it may delay care to someone who really needs it because you wanted to hurry. Gube - In my opinion, you can put what you want on my blog. Out of line with the comment?? Yes & No. I think "Snitch" is not the word for it and maybe AVEMT would be considered a whiner by the Sgt and basically as soon as the phone was hung up it would be swept under the rug. But in defense of AVEMT, I think under the circumstances AVEMT is doing what they feel they need to do. Who knows until it actually happens. I know I have wanted to say something(under my breath)and I have to friends of mine that are CO's. It doesn't help because it happens almost daily. Olivia- I completely agree with you on your "Respect" comment!!! The world we live in is changing and some is not for the better. It is definitely not like when we were younger. I was raised with the military mindset being my dad was in the Air Force. Respect was bred into me. I still see respect more when I go to the Midwest of the US, but here in California it is minimal at best. Sad but true.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252440 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252440 It is the biggest pain to have someone not yield yet those are the members of the public who yell and throw fits if you are not to their house fast enough. Its kind of hypocritical!  I thank everyone who does pull over. It is much appreciated.  On a another note is ambulance tailgaters- I think the the most interesting part is when someone in a elevated or raised vehicle get as close as they can to see in the back of your ambulance to see if they can see something.  I sure they would not appreciate that if the role was reversed yet it happens almost every time I transport somebody. Also when we are going Code 3(Lights & Sirens) and drivers get really close to us to try and squeeze through traffic as if we were Moses and parting the Red Sea! Come on people!!!! What would happen if the Ambulance or Fire Engine were to stop suddenly. Then you slam into the back of the emergency vehicle. The end result is now that emergency vehicle has to stop and it may delay care to someone who really needs it because you wanted to hurry. Gube - In my opinion, you can put what you want on my blog. Out of line with the comment?? Yes & No. I think "Snitch" is not the word for it and maybe AVEMT would be considered a whiner by the Sgt and basically as soon as the phone was hung up it would be swept under the rug. But in defense of AVEMT, I think under the circumstances AVEMT is doing what they feel they need to do. Who knows until it actually happens. I know I have wanted to say something(under my breath)and I have to friends of mine that are CO's. It doesn't help because it happens almost daily. Olivia- I completely agree with you on your "Respect" comment!!! The world we live in is changing and some is not for the better. It is definitely not like when we were younger. I was raised with the military mindset being my dad was in the Air Force. Respect was bred into me. I still see respect more when I go to the Midwest of the US, but here in California it is minimal at best. Sad but true.   People are "still distracted" by their conversations via their blue-tooth headsets?  What about the distractions caused by the conversations with the person sitting next to them in their cars?  Should we turn off the radio, too?  After all, I might be distracted by Casey Kasem and his weekly Top 40 countdown.... http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252463 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252463 People are "still distracted" by their conversations via their blue-tooth headsets?  What about the distractions caused by the conversations with the person sitting next to them in their cars?  Should we turn off the radio, too?  After all, I might be distracted by Casey Kasem and his weekly Top 40 countdown.... Progresso, People are distracted by many things. Maybe we should do a test with you driving in front of me and I come up behind you in an ambulance with my "Strobe" lights, LED's, and Siren going and see if you are distracted by Kasey, your passenger, or that bluetooth you have shoved in your ear!!! No matter what the case . You should still pull to the right when an emergency vehicle is behind you or approaching from ahead of you!!!! Its the Law, and the respectable - Right thing to do! And maybe You should turn off your radio. Have a great night. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252467 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252467 Progresso, People are distracted by many things. Maybe we should do a test with you driving in front of me and I come up behind you in an ambulance with my "Strobe" lights, LED's, and Siren going and see if you are distracted by Kasey, your passenger, or that bluetooth you have shoved in your ear!!! No matter what the case . You should still pull to the right when an emergency vehicle is behind you or approaching from ahead of you!!!! Its the Law, and the respectable - Right thing to do! And maybe You should turn off your radio. Have a great night. Sounds to me like you want to fix a lot of blame for a lot of reasons.  Usually frustrations have less to do with any particular thing another person is doing and more with your own frame of mind. But whatever - the next emergency vehicle I impede will be the first, so maybe you should stick your attitude in your pocket - or your ear. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252474 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252474 Sounds to me like you want to fix a lot of blame for a lot of reasons.  Usually frustrations have less to do with any particular thing another person is doing and more with your own frame of mind. But whatever - the next emergency vehicle I impede will be the first, so maybe you should stick your attitude in your pocket - or your ear. Progresso is an ignorant jack ass.  Trying to ruffle feathers as always. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252482 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252482 Progresso is an ignorant jack ass.  Trying to ruffle feathers as always. From the CA Drivers' Handbook.  Note that the car is not on the shoulder of the road, but only to the right of the paved surface, in accordance with the handbook's instructions....   and it was my feathers which were ruffled... http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252540 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252540 From the CA Drivers' Handbook.  Note that the car is not on the shoulder of the road, but only to the right of the paved surface, in accordance with the handbook's instructions....   and it was my feathers which were ruffled... Progresso, you are a riot!!!! Thanks for making me laugh this morning!!! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252641 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252641 Progresso, you are a riot!!!! Thanks for making me laugh this morning!!! Talking about being distracted by the radio...imagine my embarrassment when I heard a very loud siren and pulled over as quickly as I could, glaring at the other drivers going on by - only to realize the siren had come from a commercial on the radio (I did not have the volume way up either). I wish I could remember what the ad was for, I think that should be prohibited. I've also heard songs with sirens in them. Oh well, at least you know I am programmed to pull over!!!  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252728 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252728 Talking about being distracted by the radio...imagine my embarrassment when I heard a very loud siren and pulled over as quickly as I could, glaring at the other drivers going on by - only to realize the siren had come from a commercial on the radio (I did not have the volume way up either). I wish I could remember what the ad was for, I think that should be prohibited. I've also heard songs with sirens in them. Oh well, at least you know I am programmed to pull over!!!  LOL!! That is hillarious joty!! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252772 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252772 LOL!! That is hillarious joty!! I've had that happen to me too Joty!  Freaks me out- I start looking everywhere for emergency vehicles...  I don't get it.  Are sirens that musical anyway?  I just think they're annoying in songs. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252805 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_252805 I've had that happen to me too Joty!  Freaks me out- I start looking everywhere for emergency vehicles...  I don't get it.  Are sirens that musical anyway?  I just think they're annoying in songs. I was venting off steam the other day due to the CO's  who nearly caused me to go head on with unyeilding traffic from the opposite lane! I was asked by the sargent who witnessed the 5 vehicles failing to yield to please get him their liscense plate #'s next time... (The same 5 vehicles who almost caused another accident)! The Co who we were going to pick up was grateful we were so close by...But, it could have had a different outcome if I had to stop & deal with a rescue instead of the CO who needed us.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_253776 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/tehachapidad/11751/#c_253776 I was venting off steam the other day due to the CO's  who nearly caused me to go head on with unyeilding traffic from the opposite lane! I was asked by the sargent who witnessed the 5 vehicles failing to yield to please get him their liscense plate #'s next time... (The same 5 vehicles who almost caused another accident)! The Co who we were going to pick up was grateful we were so close by...But, it could have had a different outcome if I had to stop & deal with a rescue instead of the CO who needed us.