The general rule is to pull over to the left and stop when you hear an emergency vehicle. But what if you can’t pull over? Or what if you just see flashing lights? Sandra Fabbretti helps you get clear on the facts. It’s the law It is an offence under the Australian Road Rules not to move out of the path of a rescue vehicle. You are liable for an on-the-spot $308 fine and could lose three demerit points.

Typically, these vehicles belong to the police, ambulance and fire services; however, it relates to any emergency vehicle that sounds a siren or other alarm, or displays a flashing blue or red light (even if it shows other coloured lights as well). See box on facing page for more details.

This means you must make an effort to create a path for these vehicles when it’s safe to do so, usually by pulling over to the left. Of course, traffic conditions aren’t always perfect, so what do you do if you can’t move left or you’re on a single lane road?

According to Acting Sergeant Ben Macfarlane, Traffic Policy Advisor with NSW Police, if you absolutely can’t move left, you have the option to move to the right, if it’s safe. You can also cross unbroken lane or edge lines, or move into an intersection, but only if this can be done without creating a further hazard.

“If you are unable to move or do anything, that is okay. Coming to a gradual stop may be the best thing you can do or, alternatively, keep going [until you] get past an obstruction [i.e. car parked on the side of the road],” says Greg Mullins, NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner.

If motorists see an emergency vehicle driving towards them, they should do the same and move as far left as possible or slow down.

Every second counts

Last year, NRMA Insurance conducted a study that found more than one car crash a day is caused by people who incorrectly respond in emergency situations. Around two thirds of these crashes result in rear-end collisions.

“In our line of work seconds count. Being held up responding to an emergency can make a significant difference to a patient’s outcome,” says Craig Watkins, spokesman for the Ambulance Service of NSW.

The same can be said for police and fire crews who, for the most part, believe that drivers are aware and courteous. But they have also witnessed examples of complacency.

“If motorists have their stereos turned up too loud, or have their minds elsewhere, they can become oblivious to approaching emergency vehicles,” says Craig. “There have been times where drivers have seen us at the last minute and quickly hit the brakes or swerved into a different lane. This has the potential to cause a serious accident.”

Highly trained

NSW Police rely on a graduated licensing system and specific training for emergency responses. When an emergency is underway, the crew in the police car is in contact with police radio to decide the best course of action through traffic.

“Police may, in some circumstances, cross to the incorrect side of the road or drive over a median strip if they deem it necessary. But it is certainly not the preferred option,” says a spokesman for the NSW Police Traffic Services Branch.

“Exemptions from legislation exist for police and other emergency services drivers; however, if they are found to be acting outside the applicable legislation then appropriate sanctions may be used.”

“Drivers of emergency vehicles are highly trained and experienced in defensive driving, and will compensate for the actions of other drivers. The last thing they want is for somebody to have an accident while trying to make way for them,” says Greg.
Their aim, after all, is to arrive at an incident safely and efficiently without becoming involved in collisions themselves.

It is rare that traffic lights are disabled or altered to allow access. These are controlled by the RTA’s Transport Management Centre (TMC) – not the emergency vehicles, and while the capability exists to change traffic lights for certain types of security, medical escorts or incidents, the TMC is aware of the disruption this causes to traffic.

The bottom line is motorists need to have faith in the skills of the emergency services, but also help them out, without panicking or making sudden or erratic manoeuvres.

Do

Move as far left as you can, or gradually slow down. Take note of what the drivers around you are doing. Be aware that occasionally there are two or more emergency vehicles responding in close succession – check your mirrors before moving back into your lane. Always be vigilant – regularly check mirrors, keep your stereo at a reasonable level and don’t use mobile phones.

Don't

Panic! Make erratic or sudden manoeuvres. Break hard. Run a red light … whatever move you make must be done safely. Ever tailgate an emergency vehicle in an attempt to get ahead in traffic. It is illegal to speed after an emergency vehicle – you could get done for dangerous driving.

Lights and Sirens

Apart from emergency services, there are many others types of vehicles that carry flashing lights and sirens. 

These may be amber/yellow, blue, red, green or magenta/crimson, and can be found on vehicles ranging from milk trucks to private security firms – so it can get confusing.

However, as a general rule, road users need only move out of the path of an emergency vehicle that is sounding a siren and/or displaying a flashing blue or red light (even if it shows other coloured lights as well).

A siren will sound like a continuous wailing, an alternating ‘hee-haw’, or an urgent, repeated ‘whopping’ sound.
There are various operational and procedural reasons why rescue crews may opt for lights over sirens, which are often harder for motorists to notice. Typically, they try to keep the noise down around hospitals and residential areas at night or, in the case of police, sometimes they don’t want the burglars to know they’re on their way!