Even most seasoned of drivers have palpitations when they see blue lights coming at them fast from behind or the rapidly approaching sound of a siren seemingly out of nowhere.

For learner drivers, such a reaction is typically twice as strong as you wonder where the emergency vehicle is coming from and how to make space for it to get past once it does appear.

Be clear

Such questions led to the creation of the Blue Light Aware campaign back in 2011. Produced by GEM Motoring Assist, the award-winning campaign features 10 short videos that detail what you should do in different scenarios involving the emergency services.

For instance:

What should if I am on a road with solid white lines?

Those white lines mean it’is not safe for the emergency vehicle to overtake so, unless there is a lay-by to pull into, don’t stop but continue until the white line ends.

Once clear, indicate to the left and pull over towards the side of the road to create space. Also, listen out for the siren: Emergency vehicles will typically turn theirs off to reduce pressure on you if there are white lines present before turning them back on once it’s safe to pass.

What should I do at a roundabout?

Navigating roundabouts can be tricky at the best of times. Now add in flashing blue lights and wailing sirens to drive up stress levels. Fret not though as, if you’re approaching the roundabout, the emergency vehicle will indicate which side of you it wishes to pass you on so you can react accordingly.

If you’re already at the roundabout, move over safely to create space. Most importantly, remember that where there’s one emergency vehicle, others can often follow behind. This means you should always double check all around you to ensure you don’t pull out at the exact wrong moment and inadvertently create another emergency…

What should I do in a ‘rolling road block’?

You’ll find these on motorways where a police or highways authority vehicle moves safely between all three lanes in front of you with digital display in the rear window telling you not to pass.

This means there has been an incident up ahead so stay behind the emergency vehicle until it switches off the sign and moves over to the left, creating a safe space for you to pass.

Essential viewing

Other videos in the series include encountering emergency vehicles on smart motorways, dual carriageways, traffic lights and more as well as general video-based tips on where to stop.

New this year are a set of videos that offer advice in three key areas:

  1. Emergency motorbikes and how they need us to react when we seem them approaching.
  2. Specific guidance for horse riders.
  3. How to make a good 999 call following a road collision.

To view the video collection, head to the Blue Lights Aware page here.

Saving lives

Combined, the Blue Light Aware campaign offers essential and simple-to-understand tips for helping the authorities – while ensuring you and other road users remain safe at all times.

Best of all? By following the advice, your considerate actions could end up saving the life of the person or people that the emergency vehicles are rushing to help.

Know Your Code

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Main photo by Ethan on Unsplash