Dealing with Emergency Vehicles
We have all been there! Neee Narrr Neee Narr mixed with the flashing lights can for some learner drivers cause real panic.
Seeing an emergency vehicle approaching can make any learner driver feel as if they’ve been thrown into a very worrying situation.
Ultimately, it shouldn’t be either. Dealing with an an emergency vehicle – whether it’s a police car, fire engine or ambulance requires sticking to the law, remaining calm and following the correct driving rules.
It’s important to remember that it is you that's responsible for whatever actions you take regardless of whether an emergency vehicle is approaching or not. This means that you can still be charged for breaking the law in ways that would be unacceptable in all circumstances.
For example, if you jump a red light in order to let an emergency vehicle pass, then you could be fined for the offence. However, it is worth mentioning that if a uniformed officer instructs you to do this then follow their orders.
The Highway Code Rule 219 says :- Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.
If an emergency vehicle approaches using flashing blue lights, headlights and/or sirens, follow these tips to help it to get through safely:
1.Look and listen.
2.Signal your intentions by using your indicators or hand signal.
3. Pull in safely and be aware of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles around you.
4. Pull in as far as you can.
5. Leave a gap large enough for the emergency vehicle to get through.
6.Stay alert - more vehicles may be coming.
7.Stay calm.
8. If you're a pedestrian, keep off the road!
All vehicles on both sides of the road must slow down or even stop to leave a clear path, but do not endanger other road users. Don't stop in the middle of a junction. (If you're blocking the path of the emergency vehicle, you may have to turn the corner to get out of the way.)
Speak to your driving instructor for more information about dealing with Emergency Vehicles, no doubt if your living in Blackpool near the hospital you would have encountered these situations on your driving lessons, as the Blackpool Driving Test Centre is located very close to the Blackpool Hospital.
