Roads Policing Message – Emergency Vehicles

What to Do When Emergency Vehicles Approach: A Guide for Drivers

As a driver, it’s important to understand how to react safely and responsibly when emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines, or Garda cars, approach. Quick and appropriate actions can save lives and assist emergency personnel in getting to their destinations as swiftly as possible. Here’s what you need to know

1. Stay Calm and Stay Alert:

The first step is to stay calm. Upon hearing sirens or seeing flashing blue lights, remain alert and be aware of the surrounding traffic. Panicking can lead to sudden or unsafe decisions, putting yourself and others at risk.

2. Plan Your Move Early:

As soon as you detect an approaching emergency vehicle, start thinking about how and where you can move to safely allow them to pass. This could involve slowing down or pulling over. Keep in mind that stopping abruptly could cause accidents or block the vehicle from moving forward.

3. Know Where to Stop:

On normal roads: If you are on a single carriageway, pull over to the left as soon as it is safe to do so, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass on your right.

On dual carriageways or motorways: Slow down and safely move to the left. Emergency vehicles will usually overtake in the right-hand lane. Do not stop in the middle of the road or hard shoulder unless instructed to do so.

If you can’t pull over immediately, it is a good idea to signal to the emergency vehicle driver that you have seen them by indicating left or activating your hazard lights until you can pull in safely.

At traffic lights: Never break a red light to allow an emergency vehicle through. Stay where you are and let them navigate around you if possible.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes:

Do not panic: Sudden braking or veering can cause confusion and accidents.

Do not tailgate: Once the emergency vehicle passes, don’t attempt to follow closely behind it. This is illegal and dangerous.

Do not block junctions: Always ensure junctions or side roads are clear so that emergency services have space to manoeuvre.

Do not stop on narrow roads: Stopping in narrow areas can block emergency vehicles completely. Try to find a wider section or a safe space to pull over.

5. Vehicles Under Garda Escort:

Occasionally, Garda motorcyclists are tasked with performing escorts. This may be an emergency medical escort of an ambulance or private vehicle, or a motorcade of Government or foreign dignitaries. If a Garda motorcyclist enters a junction & stops with blue lights activated, you must stop and remain stationary until the vehicle(s) under escort have passed by, or the Garda motorcyclist directs you to move to a particular location.

6. Keep Listening and Watching:

Sometimes more than one emergency vehicle may be approaching, especially in major incidents. Once one has passed, stay alert for any others before you continue driving.

7. Return to Normal Driving Gradually:

Once the emergency vehicle has passed, merge back into traffic carefully. Ensure you are aware of other drivers who may also be moving after pulling over. Avoid the temptation to speed up or rush back into the flow of traffic.

8. Show Courtesy and Cooperation:

Remember that emergency vehicles need to get to their destination quickly and safely to save lives or deal with critical incidents. By staying calm, alert, and following these steps, you can help ensure that you are not an obstacle during a crucial moment.

Conclusion:

Every second counts in an emergency. As a driver, you play a vital role in ensuring the roads are safe and accessible for emergency responders. By staying aware and following these simple guidelines, you are helping save lives and supporting those who serve the community in times of crisis. Always remember: safety first, for you and for others on the road.