Ambulance hit cyclist whilst on an emergency call
An Anderson, Ind. bicyclist was killed in a collision with an “active” ambulance on Friday 8 May around 12:28 p.m.
David Britton, 58, died from injuries he sustained in the accident that occurred on Friday 8 May 2020 on Eighth Street west of Madison Avenue, in Anderson.
According to the Anderson Police Department crash investigating team, Britton was first sent to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Anderson before being flown to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis where he succumbed to his injuries.
What happened?
The Anderson Police Department said Cody Riddle, 30, was on duty driving Anderson Fire Department Medic to an emergency call when he hit Britton. Riddle himself was not injured. Britton was thrown underneath the left rear wheel of the ambulance after colliding with the left side of the ambulance.
Initial reports say, the ambulance, Medic 1, had its lights and siren on as it proceeded to the emergency call. However, the bicyclist was cycling northbound in the wrong lane when he entered through the red light.
A witness to the accident, who was sitting in her car in a parking lot nearby, testified of hearing the sirens. She also said the ambulance driver tried to avoid hitting the cyclist who had entered the intersection.
As the ambulance swerved, avoiding hitting Britton, it “hit a tree and trapped him under the back wheels.” Another Anderson Fire Department which was leading the emergency response had to turn back and help lift the back wheels to retrieve the biker.
The ambulance suffered great damage to the right front when it hit the tree || Ken de la Bastide
The police department is yet to release a further detailed report.
Indiana cycling rules
The bicyclist appeared to have disregarded some of the important traffic laws, including passing through a red light, and not yielding to an emergency vehicle. The Indiana laws stipulate that bicyclists must follow all traffic laws including using proper hand and arm signals when changing lanes or turning.
Texting, shaving, or eating whilst bicycling is an offense under the Indiana laws. Bicyclists need to warn pedestrians of their presence, hence the need to have a bell, to prevent harm to themselves and others.
What to do when you hear the sirens
Often, cyclists forget that the blaring sirens and horns are a sign of an emergency.
- The law in many states requires all motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to yield for emergency vehicles even if you had the right of way.
- Pull over to the right side of the road and remain stationary until the vehicle is well past.
- You are required to pull over, even if the emergency vehicle is not in your lane.
- Emergency vehicles often travel in groups, be sure to check if there are no follow up vehicles when one passes by.
- On an intersection, you might proceed if the emergency vehicles are still far, but you will have to immediately pull over after clearing the intersection.
- Emergency vehicles are not required to follow any road rules. They may lawfully act unpredictably near you.