Seeing blue lights or hearing a siren approach is one of the most stressful moments drivers face — even experienced motorists feel a spike of adrenaline. But staying calm and following a few simple rules can make a life-saving difference. This guide breaks down what to do in common driving situations so you can create space for emergency responders while keeping yourself and other road users safe.
Why Staying Calm Matters
When an emergency vehicle approaches — whether it’s an ambulance, fire engine, or police car — every second counts. Hesitation, sudden lane changes, or unclear actions can create dangerous conditions on the road. Remaining composed and using a predictable, lawful response reduces risk and helps emergency crews reach their destination faster.
Be Clear: Understand the Rules and Best Practices
Campaigns like Blue Light Aware were developed to make motorists more confident and consistent when dealing with emergency vehicles. Knowing a few core principles helps you make good decisions quickly.
Basic steps to follow
- Scan early: Use mirrors frequently to detect flashing lights or hear sirens before the vehicle is close.
- Signal your intention: Use indicators to show other drivers which way you plan to move.
- Move predictably: Avoid sudden swerves — carefully and legally move out of the way.
- Stay alert for more vehicles: Emergency responses often involve multiple vehicles travelling in convoy.
What to Do in Specific Road Scenarios
On two-lane roads with solid white lines
Solid white lines indicate that passing is unsafe. If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind where the center markings rule out overtaking, do not attempt to pull in front of it. Where possible, continue driving until the solid lines end, then signal left and pull over to create room for it to pass. Emergency drivers commonly switch off sirens or reduce noise in these areas to avoid pressuring motorists into unsafe maneuvers; remain patient and follow the road markings.
At roundabouts
Roundabouts can be confusing under pressure, but the response is usually simple. If you are approaching, look for signals from the emergency vehicle to indicate which side it intends to pass on and give way accordingly. If you are already circulating the roundabout, move over when it is safe to allow the emergency vehicle through. Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing position — and remember there may be more than one emergency vehicle following the lead vehicle.
On multi-lane roads and motorways
When an emergency vehicle is approaching on a motorway or multi-lane carriageway, move into the lane furthest from it when it is safe to do so. In many countries this is known as the “move over” or “hard shoulder” protocol. If traffic is heavy and stopping is unavoidable, remain in your lane and keep a steady speed while leaving room for the emergency vehicle to navigate around you.
Rolling road blocks (motorway lane control)
A rolling road block occurs when a police or highways vehicle drives slowly across lanes with illuminated signs instructing drivers not to pass. This tactic is used to protect incident scenes ahead and to slow traffic. If you encounter this, stay behind the lead vehicle until it moves aside and clears the instruction — do not attempt to overtake.
Special Situations and Considerations
When in heavy traffic or congestion
Heavy traffic limits options. Try to keep a narrow corridor of space where emergency vehicles can pass — often referred to as creating an “emergency lane.” In many regions, this means vehicles in the left lanes pull further left and right lanes pull further right to open a central lane. If you cannot move far, maintain your position and avoid blocking intersections.
At traffic lights
If you are stopped at a red light and an emergency vehicle approaches, remain where you are until it passes or until instructed otherwise by a police officer or traffic controller on scene. Do not run red lights to get out of the way — this creates confusion and increases the risk of collision.
For horse riders and vulnerable road users
New educational materials now include guidance for horse riders and other road users. If you are on horseback, keep the horse calm and move to the pavement or verge if possible, following instructions from emergency personnel. Pedestrians should stand well clear of the roadside and avoid sudden movements that could distract drivers.
Practical Tips to Keep Your Reaction Effective
- Plan ahead: If you hear a siren from behind, check mirrors and decide whether to pull over or continue to the nearest safe point.
- Leave space at junctions: Avoid pulling to the extreme edge that blocks side roads — keep junctions clear for turning vehicles and second emergency vehicles.
- Do not follow an emergency vehicle: Unless asked by police, never tail an emergency vehicle or drive in its slipstream — it’s illegal and dangerous.
- Watch for instructions: Emergency crews or traffic police may provide verbal or hand signals — follow them promptly.
Educational Resources and Training
Short instructional videos, such as those from the Blue Light Aware campaign, are excellent tools to study real-world scenarios and proper reactions. Many motorist organizations and police services provide free guidance online that demonstrates interaction with emergency motorbikes, advice for equestrians, and how to make a clear 999 (or local emergency number) call following a collision.
Why Your Actions Can Save Lives
Emergency services are often racing to help someone in critical need. Your calm, predictable, and lawful response can shave crucial seconds off response times, which in turn can mean faster medical care or improved outcomes at incident scenes. The collective cooperation of road users plays a real role in helping first responders do their jobs safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
Reacting appropriately to emergency vehicles is a responsibility shared by all road users. Stay calm, stay predictable, and follow the rules: check your mirrors, signal clearly, create space, and be mindful that more vehicles may follow. By doing so, you not only protect yourself and other drivers but also support life-saving emergency work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if I can’t find a safe place to pull over?
A: Stay in your lane and maintain a steady pace. Emergency vehicle drivers are trained to navigate congested roads; abrupt or unsafe maneuvers by motorists are more dangerous than remaining where you are. If you can move safely a little to the side without blocking junctions, do so gradually and signal your intention.
Q: Should I switch off my engine when pulled over?
A: Not necessarily. Leave the engine running unless directed by emergency personnel — you may need to move again to make room for additional responders. Keep the handbrake engaged if you stop on an incline.
Q: Are the rules different for motorbikes and bicycles?
A: The same principles apply: give way, move predictably, and avoid sudden moves. Motorcyclists should signal early and reduce speed safely. Cyclists should pull over to the verge and dismount if necessary for safety.
Final note: Regularly reviewing practical guidance and watching short instructional videos can improve your confidence. In a split-second situation, clear thinking and predictable actions can make the difference between a smooth passage for emergency crews and a dangerous traffic incident.