Vehicle rolls over on Highway 95 after collision

A driver allegedly attempting to make way for an approaching ambulance running an emergency call collided with a second vehicle and rolled over Tuesday afternoon on Highway 95.

The driver, whose identity was not released to the public, was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center via Rural/Metro ambulance to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the collision.

According to Rural/Metro, the incident happened at about 3:45 p.m. on Highway 95 near the intersection with County 12th Street and involved two  SUVs, one white and one tan.

Both vehicles had been traveling southbound when the driver of the white SUV became aware of an ambulance running an emergency call approaching from the opposite direction. The white SUV was traveling in the inside right lane slightly in front of the tan SUV, which was traveling in the far right lane.

The agency operating the approaching ambulance could not be determined Tuesday. The agencies contacted by the Yuma Sun who travel through that area – Rural/Metro, San Luis Fire Department, Somerton Cocopah Fire Department, and Yuma Fire Department – denied it was their vehicle.

As the ambulance approached, the driver of the white SUV allegedly pulled over into the far right lane to allow it to pass. The driver of the tan SUV was allegedly unable to stop the vehicle before colliding into the white SUV, causing the latter vehicle to roll. It came to rest on its side in the dirt shoulder off of Highway 95.

The driver of the white SUV was transported to YRMC by Rural/Metro. The driver of the tan SUV was not transported to the hospital.

No other information was available as of press time Tuesday.

The rollover collision was a reminder to other drivers to use caution when changing lanes as an emergency vehicle rapidly approaches with lights and sirens activated, said Charly McMurdie, Rural/Metro public information officer.

“As soon as you hear a siren you should slow down and see what direction it is coming from. Before you need to be in another lane, start making the decision to move over. It is always important to check behind you, and to check your mirrors on a regular basis.”

Drivers should only merge into the far right lane after they have determined it is safe to do so, McMurdie noted.