Unfortunately, due to the unpredictable nature of driving on the UK’s network of roads, it is simply not possible to cover every conceivable situation which you may face when driving.

Because conditions and situations can vary greatly, we hope that this section will help to provide a little insight into some of the more uncommon (yet realistic) situations that you may face whilst driving.

What To Do When You Hear an Emergency Siren Whilst Driving

Blue Light Aware is a short video, produced on behalf of the emergency services. Their crews rely on the help of other road users when they’re on a ‘blue light’ journey.

By watching Blue Light Aware, you will better understand their needs, you will be reducing the risks you face, you will be contributing to a safer road environment and you might also be helping to save a life.

The following video from http://www.bluelightaware.org.uk/ explores this in further detail.

In Depth Guide

If you would like to explore this in greater details, the Sussex Police have drawn up a comprehensive guide highlighting the steps which should be taken.

Please read on to see what they had to say:

It’s not unusual to be driving along when you’re suddenly confronted with the sight or sound of an emergency vehicle behind you or coming towards you – blue lights flashing, siren blaring. So what do you do?

Your first instinct will be to try to get out of the way as quickly as possible in order to let the vehicle pass, and this is what most of us would do, but is it the right thing to do?

The Highway Code indicates that you should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police cars and any other emergency vehicles, whenever you are on the road.

The important thing to remember at this point is not to panic. Above all, remember that you are responsible for your own actions on the road, regardless of the presence of an emergency vehicle, so you should move out of the way when it is safe and appropriate for you to do so without contravening road laws, or endangering yourself or anyone else in the area.

Follow our tips when you see or hear an emergency vehicle on the road – stay safe and allow them to pass by with the minimum of delay:

  • Stay alert to approaching emergency vehicles, you’ll often hear them before you see them so keep the music low enough to hear warning sirens. Keep an eye on your mirrors too.
  • When you hear the sirens or see flashing lights, try to locate the vehicle and consider the route that it may take.  Take any appropriate action to let it pass, but be careful not to contravene any traffic signs or rules of the road.
  • Remember: Emergency vehicle drivers are specially trained and have exemptions to the law that you don’t have, so you must not go through red lights or speed to allow them to pass.
  • Don’t panic or brake suddenly. This could slow the progress of the emergency vehicle, and put yourself and other road users in danger.
  • If you are able, pull over to the side of the road, indicating beforehand and keeping any eye out for pedestrians and cyclists. However don’t pull over on or near to a hill, bend or narrow section of the road.
  • Don’t mount the kerb unless you absolutely have to and, even then, only if you are certain that you won’t put pedestrians at risk.
  • If you are approaching a roundabout allow the emergency vehicle to reach, navigate and leave before you enter the roundabout yourself.
  • If you are about to emerge from a side road, stay where you are until an emergency vehicle on the main road has passed, even if you can only hear it at this point. Don’t take chances, it will be difficult to judge their speed.
  • On a dual-carriageway or motorway you should move over to a nearside lane by signalling your intention and merging with vehicles already there.  Don’t cut in front of other vehicles, they may not yet be aware of the approaching emergency vehicle.
  • On a road with double white line system, and the line nearest you is solid, maintain a safe speed and do not exceed the limit.  The emergency vehicle will remain behind and may turn off the sirens or lights.  If you can safely pull off the road, signal your intention and then pull off.  Otherwise wait until the white lines change priority, or end, then find a place to stop, slow down or pull over to allow the vehicle to pass, signalling your intention as before.
  • After the emergency vehicle has passed check there are no more vehicles coming before you continue – there may be more than one going to the same incident.
  • Wait until it is safe to do so, then indicate as necessary and rejoin your route.

To access their full guide, please click on the following link – http://www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/ask-us/roads,-driving-and-cycling/what-should-i-do-when-an-emergency-vehicle-%28ambulance,-police-car-or-fire-engine%29-is-flashing-its-blue-lights