19/07/2012

The sight and sound of an approaching emergency service vehicle warns motorists to clear a path through the traffic, but confusion can reign unless motorists respond appropriately, the RACQ said today.

RACQ Executive Manager Technical and Safety Policy, Steve Spalding, said it only took one panicked motorist to stir up confusion or cause a blockage, putting other motorists’ lives at risk and delaying the emergency service vehicle.

"It’s important to be alert to what’s going on around you. Motorists who cocoon themselves in their cars with music blaring or ears blocked with headphones are in danger of not even hearing the siren," Mr Spalding said.

"Even the most level headed among us can experience momentary panic on hearing a siren, particularly if in gridlocked traffic and it’s not clear where the vehicle is coming from. So, firstly, it’s important to keep a clear head and identify the location of the emergency vehicle.

"If traffic is in motion, slow down and move to the left where possible – unless that places you directly in the path of the emergency vehicle. As a driver you will need to exercise your judgment and keep an eye on the traffic around you and the approaching emergency vehicle, which could change its course depending on the level of congestion and how the traffic responds."

Mr Spalding said motorists found to be obstructing an emergency service vehicle could be fined.

"Motorists have to accept that the emergency vehicle has to be assisted as much as possible to carve a clear route through the traffic," he said.

"However, no allowances are made for reckless or dangerous manoeuvres undertaken through desperate attempts to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

"Motorists have a responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner at all times and should remember that large emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks sometimes take longer to stop."

Mr Spalding said emergency vehicles often stopped or slowed down when entering intersections so as to pass through safely and motorists were required to give way in these situations.

"By staying calm, exercising commonsense and making all reasonable efforts to move out of the way, you will minimise risk to yourself and other road users, and enable the emergency vehicle to continue its journey as swiftly as possible," Mr Spalding said.