Most emergency vehicles are only allowed to travel 10 mph over the posted speed limit on an emergency run. does this speed create a safety hazard, since most drivers travel at 80 and 90 mph on the interstate and pass the emergency vehicles?
by 
john pennington
ANSWERS: 4
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No, since drivers are required to pull over and give right-of-way to emergency vehicles. No one is allowed to pass an emergency vehicle in any state laws I have ever seen. If the drivers are going faster than the emergency vehicle, they will never encounter them if they started out ahead of the ambulance/fire engine.
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I was unaware of this law! Is it state, local, or federal? I imagine it would be state, but could be wrong. If someone is passing an emergency vehicle when the lights are going, they should probably be shot. OK, maybe not that serious, but what they are doing is both stupid and wrong, IMO. The safest speed to be (again IMO) is the speed of traffic, whatever it is. Assuming vehicles pull over to the side for an emergency vehicle with flashing lights like they are supposed to, the safest speed for the emergency vehicle is whatever speed that individual driver can handle- whether it be ten under the limit, over the limit, or twice the limit.
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prev | next § 46.2-920. Certain vehicles exempt from regulations in certain situations; exceptions and additional requirements. A. The driver of any emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is being used in the performance of public services, and when such vehicle is operated under emergency conditions, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution: 1. Disregard speed limits, while having due regard for safety of persons and property;
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Emergency vehicles are allowed to go at any speed the driver deems prudent. The problem lies is that most roads are designed to be safely driven at a certain speed. I've not seen too many folks pass emergency vehicles. Instead I've seen many fools suddenly become ambulance chasers in a bid to get away with speeding.
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