MileCheckHow does an ambulance get to the other side of a divided highway?
Often by using the next interchange to turn around, or a paved crossover in the median signed for authorized or emergency vehicles. Which one depends on the highway and local procedures. A crew that comes up the wrong side loses time.
Median crossovers
Many states build turnarounds in the median for police, maintenance trucks and emergency vehicles. They are marked as closed to the public. Where they are, how far apart they are and who may use them is set by each state.
Why your direction matters
Mile 120 northbound and mile 120 southbound are across the median from each other. If a caller only gives the mile, a crew can arrive on the wrong side. Saying "northbound" or "southbound" is how they come up the right one.
When it is a long way to the next exit
Rural interstates can have long gaps between interchanges, so where a crew starts from matters.
If you are reporting a crash, call 911, give the highway and your direction, and let the dispatcher handle the response.
See your mile marker as you drive
MileCheck shows your nearest mile marker, the highway and your direction. Premium adds live state DOT feeds for the road ahead and the map, with a 2-week free trial. It runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
Questions, answered
Can I use a median crossover if I miss my exit?
No. They are signed for authorized vehicles. Using one is illegal in most states and dangerous.
How long does an ambulance take to reach a highway crash?
It varies a lot by place. Our ambulance response page has the national numbers.