Sharing the Road with Emergency Vehicles
Published by RSA in Safe Driving • 07/12/2012 18:39:59
Sharing the Road with Emergency Vehicles
Published by RSA in Road Safety • 07/12/2012 18:39:59
Some Basic Tips when sharing the road with Emergency Service Vehicles (ESVs)
It is important to be alert and attentive at all times. Remember to keep noise levels in your vehicle at a level that allows you to hear the sirens from emergency vehicles. Be particularly alert at intersections. Observe your surroundings as emergency vehicles may come from behind you or from a secondary road.
When an emergency vehicle approaches and you see blue flashing lights or hear sirens:
• Clear the way as soon as you can do so safely.
• Never mount the kerb unless you absolutely have to and, even then, only if you are certain that there are no pedestrians in the area.
• Check your rear view mirrors to gauge the speed of the emergency vehicle/s and also look out for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users.
• Indicate your intention to pull over. Pull over only in a space that has enough space for the emergency vehicle/s to pass safely.
• Stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch out for other emergency vehicles as there may be more than one.
• Indicate that you’re going to pull out again. When it’s safe to do so, gradually merge back into traffic.
Never:
• tailgate or overtake an emergency vehicle
• race after an emergency vehicle to get through a traffic light
• break a red light or speed to allow emergency vehicles to pass unless you’re directed to do this by the Gardaí or emergency services personnel
• pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights
For a printable version of the new booklet "Sharing the road with Emergency Vehicles" click on this link http://aandcdrivingschool.ie/files/rsa_emergency_vehicles_a5_pdf.pdf
Published by RSA in Road Safety • 07/12/2012 18:39:59
Some Basic Tips when sharing the road with Emergency Service Vehicles (ESVs)
It is important to be alert and attentive at all times. Remember to keep noise levels in your vehicle at a level that allows you to hear the sirens from emergency vehicles. Be particularly alert at intersections. Observe your surroundings as emergency vehicles may come from behind you or from a secondary road.
When an emergency vehicle approaches and you see blue flashing lights or hear sirens:
• Clear the way as soon as you can do so safely.
• Never mount the kerb unless you absolutely have to and, even then, only if you are certain that there are no pedestrians in the area.
• Check your rear view mirrors to gauge the speed of the emergency vehicle/s and also look out for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users.
• Indicate your intention to pull over. Pull over only in a space that has enough space for the emergency vehicle/s to pass safely.
• Stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch out for other emergency vehicles as there may be more than one.
• Indicate that you’re going to pull out again. When it’s safe to do so, gradually merge back into traffic.
Never:
• tailgate or overtake an emergency vehicle
• race after an emergency vehicle to get through a traffic light
• break a red light or speed to allow emergency vehicles to pass unless you’re directed to do this by the Gardaí or emergency services personnel
• pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights
For a printable version of the new booklet "Sharing the road with Emergency Vehicles" click on this link http://aandcdrivingschool.ie/files/rsa_emergency_vehicles_a5_pdf.pdf