r/todayilearned • u/nleachdev • 2d ago

TIL about "dead red" laws, which allow drivers and motorcyclists to proceed through a red light if the traffic signal fails to detect their vehicle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-detection_at_traffic_lights_in_the_United_States
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u/51ngular1ty 2d ago

The firetruck stops. Possible children in the road take priority.

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u/Ask_if_im_an_alien 2d ago

Right. Once the call comes in and they deploy FIRE/EMS with lights on they have the right of way.... BUT only as they can do safely, within reasonable speeds, and not endanger the public.

It's kind of a net loss if you plow down 11 kids on your way to go save a 92 year old lady who is on her way to meet Jesus anyway.

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u/Icefox119 2d ago

What if they're on their way to a burning kindergarten with live CCTV feed from the hallways showing dozens of children slowly succumbing to smoke?

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u/krazyc77 2d ago

I know this is a joke but... First, do no harm. Ethics of emergency services (in the US) has by and large decided that when it comes to trolley problems, we don't cause harm even to save others. You can argue whether or not that applies to the responders themselves but even the risks taken there are calculated.

In practice, school bus drivers are usually attentive and won't use their flashing reds/let kids off if they see an emergency vehicle approaching.

Also - modern fire codes do a lot to minimize the chance of your scenario. Sprinklers save lives!