Driver Training

Approaching an emergency vehicle

Stopped with its lights flashing

When approaching any emergency vehicle stopped for example on the hard shoulder with its lights flashing,

(blue, red, amber or green) consider and be prepared to do the following:

     In plenty of time, make a safe lane-change to move away from the emergency vehicle -- check mirrors, if a signal is necessary,

 indicate right, let your signal flash at least three times before starting to change lane,

 check the right-hand exterior mirror again and as necessary, check over your right shoulder,

 if it's safe then move to the lane on the right.

      If there isn't enough safe space to make a lane change,

 consider reducing your speed promptly

  check your mirrors, use your hazard lights if you feel it would help any one behind, and decelerate or brake with the necessary firmness

 so that by the time you reach the emergency vehicle you have reduced your speed safely

 and significantly.

Logically and importantly you should consider the situation each and every time...

• The confused crash survivor
• The police officer
• The paramedic
• The fire fighter 
•  Whoever else may be standing or moving around on or by the roadway.

 What they are doing could be very attention demanding and stressful...

It could be a member of your family that they are helping or protecting so give them the safety  consideration that they really do deserve.

Please do not assume they can devote any of their attention to your approaching vehicle.

Remember that if a person (pedestrian or cyclist) is struck by a car -- your car...

If you are doing 40mph (64km/h) the person's % chances of survival are virtually zero. 

 If you are doing 30mph (48km/h), there is a strong % probability that the person will die.

If you are doing no more than 20mph (32km/h) the person stands a small % chance of surviving.

 Remember also... perhaps more importantly

A person (pedestrian or cyclist) NOT struck by a car -- your car... 

Stands a 100% chance of surviving.

Its not speed that kills... it’s the DRIVER

  Because if a person (pedestrian or cyclist) is NOT struck by a vehicle -- your  vehicle… then…

that person's chance of survival is….assured.

Please remember this the next time you are dealing with

 road works or have to pass close by a police officer, road worker or any other person standing in or near the road.

 DRIVERS KILL... KILL YOUR SPEED!