Even if you don’t spend much time on the road, chances are that you will encounter an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on at one point or another. The drivers of these vehicles are trained to drive defensively, but they are also no doubt in a hurry to reach their destination. In most cases, the safest thing you can do is get out of the way of the vehicle. However, you should do this in as safe a manner as possible to avoid accidents with other drivers on the road. Remember, an emergency vehicle could be trying to reach someone in a life or death situation. It is extremely important to take the appropriate measures to allow for safe passage. We have compiled some tips to help you react when you hear an emergency siren.
Remain Alert
The first step when it comes to interacting with an emergency vehicle is to know that the vehicle is there. In most cases, your first warning will be the sound of sirens, so make sure that you can hear them. Avoid talking on the phone while driving, and keep the radio turned relatively low. This will allow you to become aware of the emergency vehicle well ahead of time so you have a chance to react.
Locate the Vehicle
Once you hear the siren, check your mirrors to find the vehicle. If you can’t spot it immediately, don’t take your eyes off the road to look around. Instead, remain aware of your surroundings until the vehicle comes into view or you can no longer hear the sirens.
Pull Over Safely
If the vehicle is nearby, pull your car over to the side of the road. First, check to make sure that there are no other vehicles or bicycles on the side of the road. Activate your turn signal and ease your car onto the shoulder. Be aware of what other vehicles are doing as well. If no other cars are pulling over and you feel that you can’t do so safely, stay with the flow of traffic and do your best to stay out of the way of the emergency vehicle.
Other Tips
Remain calm when you see an emergency vehicle. Avoid slamming on the brakes or making any sudden movement in your car. Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and the safety of your vehicle.
Properly maintaining your vehicle is essential if you want to be able to react quickly when you see an emergency vehicle or in another driving situation. If you have safety concerns, the technicians at Sun Auto Service can help you resolve them quickly and cost-effectively.
