For many drivers, even experienced ones, the sound of sirens and the flashing of blue lights in the rear view mirrors can cause panic and consequently make some drivers do entirely the wrong thing.
Rule 219 of the Highway Code says that drivers should ‘look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights, or traffic officers and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights’. To a learner driver this list may look especially daunting but with a good instructor by your side you will be shown how to deal with emergency vehicles safely and confidently.
Consider seeking advice from a reputable driving school such as Beverly Slater whose experienced instructors know exactly how to put learner drivers at ease.
Use Your Mirrors
Driving instructors can’t emphasise enough the requirement to check your mirrors regularly as you drive and to always be aware of what’s around you. An additional good tip is to use your ears as well as you can often hear sirens approaching before you see the flashing lights. Get used to doing this and you will feel less panicky and more confident in your reactions. This awareness will stand you in good stead on your driving test.
Move Aside Safely
On becoming aware of an emergency vehicle behind them some drivers panic and stop dead, or stop where it would be difficult for the approaching vehicle to get past. The emergency vehicle driver will be looking for the safest place to overtake you and you must do the same. Allow an emergency vehicle to overtake you only when it is safe to do so. Places where it is considered unwise or dangerous to stop or pull in include any bend in the road, at traffic lights or where the road narrows.
Always Take Heed of Road Traffic Laws
Do not stop on bends, at crossings or on the brow of a hill for example and certainly do not speed or drive through a red traffic light as you will be liable for any traffic offence or accident caused. This means you could find yourself landed with a fixed penalty fine or even points on your licence for certain offences. Stopping on a yellow box junction or entering a bus lane could, if caught out by CCTV, get you a heavy fine. The law does not allow you to jump a red light even to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle showing flashing lights.
Don’t Put Anyone At Risk
Don’t be tempted to mount the kerb especially where there are pedestrians. The danger is that because you are concentrating on the emergency vehicle behind you, you may not see the pedestrian until it is too late. Similarly, always be aware of other road users and particularly those who may be travelling closer to the edge of the kerb such as cyclists or the riders of small scooters.
Watch for other vehicles ahead of you who may also have seen the flashing lights and may brake suddenly in front of you causing you to possibly run into the back of them. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front. You should avoid braking harshly yourself whether you are coming up to a junction or you just wish to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. Bear in mind that if you brake or stop too suddenly the vehicle behind may not be able to stop and this could result in a collision. Always come to a controlled stop.
In summary, don’t panic; control your vehicle safely and with confidence and you’re sure to be able to get through your test, no matter what vehicles emerge.