What to do if you see a blue light vehicle when driving
You’re driving on your own when you hear sirens. It can be neerve-wracking so if you’re unsure of what to do if you see a blue light vehicle when driving then read on.
Stay Calm, Alert & Don’t Panic
If you weren’t fortunate enough to have been in this situation whilst learning to drive with your instructor, then it’s only natural that they’ll catch you off guard. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and don’t make any panic stricken last minute decisions, which could ultimately make the situation worse.
In The Highway Code, it states that you should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.
What to do if you see a blue light vehicle
When you see a blue light vehicle when driving, do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road.
Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.
Listen and Look
At times you’ll be able to hear a siren before you can see the emergency vehicle. In this instance, keep checking your mirrors until you can see which direction the vehicle is travelling in. If the emergency vehicle is approaching from behind, slow down and pull over to let it pass. Remember, DO NOT run red lights, or try and outrun the emergency vehicle and only pull over if it is safe to do so.
If you are unable to safely pull over or move into another lane, sometimes the best thing you can do is stay where you are and continue at a reasonable speed and let the emergency vehicle manoeuvre around you. Remember that drivers of emergency vehicles are highly trained so have the ability to weave in and out of traffic themselves.
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