The provisions of this subchapter regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles shall apply to authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in this subchapter, except as follows: a driver when operating the vehicle in any emergency, except when otherwise directed by a police officer, may:
(A) Park or stand, notwithstanding the provisions of this subchapter;
(B) Proceed past a red or stop signal, or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(C) Exceed the prima facie speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property;
(D) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement, or turning, in specified directions so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; or
(E) The foregoing exemptions shall not, however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard of the safety of others.
(1973 Code, § F-II-5)