An unfortunate example of no good deed going unpunished.
Presumed Miami resident and Redditor /u/Rwon1329 shared dashcam footage from May 2, 2024 to the /r/IdiotsInCars subreddit showing the unfortunate moment another driver rear ended him as he came to a stop to let an emergency vehicle pass, despite having the right of way,
Check out their dashcam footage below.
[OC] Yielded a green light to to an emergency vehicle and got rear ended
byu/Rwon1329 inIdiotsInCars
The incident happened at the intersection of US-41 and SW 87th Ave in Miami, FL (Exact location on Google Maps linked here.)
As the video shows, /u/Rwon1329 comes to a complete stop as he sees and hears the siren of an approaching Miami-Dade EMS Fire Truck.
Shortly after stopping, you can hear the soft crunch of a vehicle crashing into the rear bumper of his vehicle.
To be clear, OP did exactly what they were supposed to do.
According to Florida’s Motor Vehicle Code, 316.126,
” … (the) driver of every other vehicle shall, when such emergency vehicle is giving audible signals by siren, exhaust whistle, or other adequate device, or visible signals by the use of displayed blue or red lights, yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle.”
And, as luck would have it, the other driver is supposedly uninsured.
“The responding officer sided with me and gave the other guy (who didn’t even notice the firetruck) a ticket. Apparently he doesn’t have insurance because in the police report the insurance listed is a home only insurance company. My insurance is liability only. Sucks,” OP commented.
Many in the comments suggested OP seek compensation from the other party through Florida’s Small Claims courts, to which OP replied,
“The damages were minimal compared to the at fault car. I’m going to call the insurance listed in the report and if it fails, then I’ll see about small claims.”
Driving without insurance in Florida is subject to fines between $500-$1000 before fees and possible license suspension after subsequent violations.
“Man, that driver was so oblivious their mind is on Mars,” /u/StackThePads33 commented.
“In the future, throw your emergency flashers on. Not to say it would’ve saved you, but I’ve noticed it helps let those behind you know that you are REALLY braking due to someone making a left turn, ambulance, etc,” /u/drunk_phish suggested.
“Why am I not surprised this is Miami. This is hands down the worst city to drive in. Everyone’s impatient, not paying attention and gives zero care for others lives. Both when driving and yielding to emergency vehicles,” /u/MMag05 added.
Many in the comments thanked God OP had a dashcam, too.
Despite having cheap insurance, if anything, he has video proof that he wasn’t at fault if, for some reason, the other driver went after OP for compensation.
This is yet another reason, if you don’t have a dashcam yet, to get one.
And this is why following another car at a safe distance is paramount. Despite having a green light, there are situations, like this, where you need to stop.
