If you are drive on a regular basis you should always be aware of your surroundings. This is especially the case when driving on the highway. In fact there are highway codes in place that are intended to protect drivers and passengers alike. One such law is the Highway Code which gives emergency vehicles the right of way. That means drivers have to pay close attention, in case they need to let any fire engines, ambulances, police cars, or any other emergency vehicles.
In order to allow these emergency vehicles to pass, every driver must be alert at all times. However, simply paying attention to your surroundings may not be enough. Below are a few tips that can make this experience a bit less stressful.
Effective Tips in Dealing with Emergency Vehicles
1. Find out if you are within their lane. If you notice that your car is not within their lane, then it is advisable for you to slow down as this will help in merging the traffic into your lane. If your car is within their lane, then the best thing that you can do is to change lanes but make sure that you first check out the space and the condition of the road before safely maneuvering your car into the other lane.
2. Determine the things that you should avoid doing when dealing with an emergency vehicle. One of these is to avoid panicking as this may only cause you to make the wrong move. It is also advisable that you check on your own safety before helping others. Other things that you should avoid doing are pulling into an incorrect lane, leaving the road and then driving your car into a grass verge or pavement and not allowing the vehicle to pass.
3. Avoid braking too fast when driving across a traffic light intersection, if you notice an approaching vehicle from either side as this may result to serious accidents. If you find it impossible to stop your car through gradual braking, then it is best for you to continue driving through the intersection. Most emergency vehicles yield to the traffic which continues to cross on the green light to prevent an accident.
4. After hearing the siren of an emergency vehicle, make sure that you immediately identify its specific location. You should then look around and try to determine what route will be most likely taken by the vehicle. After determining its route, you should take the necessary action which will allow it to pass, without breaking any rules of the road.
5. Stay alert. This means keeping your music at a low volume so you can continue to hear an emergency vehicle’s siren. It is also important for you to frequently check your mirrors. This can help you tremendously if you’re trying to cross an intersection, especially if an emergency vehicle is within close proximity.
As you can see, there are several ways that drivers can keep the roads safe, by simply allowing emergency vehicles to pass. Allowing these vehicles to pass can mean the difference between life in death. Remember, it only takes a few seconds for someone’s life to be saved. You can help by allowing emergency officials the right of way, when you’re behind the wheel.
