What to do when hearing sirens
Here is what motorists should do when emergency vehicles are approaching with their lights and sirens on
Motorists are not unfamiliar with the sounds of howling sirens and flashing lights of emergency vehicles on the roads.
And, for the most part, motorists are very accommodating to emergency vehicles on their way to an emergency or the emergency room (ER).
But, we are also very familiar with the inconsiderate tactics used by emergency vehicle drivers when they are in a rush. It is very common to see these vehicles moving at a high speed and when the vehicles in front of them do not move fast enough, overtaking them by driving into oncoming traffic or rushing through busy intersections without stopping.
According to Johan Jonck from Arrive Alive, section 58 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 stipulates that a driver of an emergency vehicle showing a warning lamp or sounding a siren is obliged to drive with due regard to the safety of other traffic. “This would require the driver to reduce speed and scan traffic from the sides before entering an intersection,” said Johan.
He stressed the fact that having an emergency siren is no guarantee that other drivers can hear it. It should be kept in mind that some people drive with loud music and there is no ban on deaf people driving. Although the emergency siren should alert other road users to the presence of the emergency vehicle, it is not guaranteed that they are aware. Thus it is important – when approaching an intersection – to slow down and not assume safety.
Arrive Alive advised drivers to follow these guidelines when hearing sirens:
– Always be prepared when driving – look and listen for ambulances, fire-engines, police or any other emergency vehicles using flashing lights and sirens.
– Regularly scan your rearview mirror and avoid loud noises and other distractions while driving.
– You should stay calm and make well-informed decisions to stay within the rules of safe driving and the law. Remain aware of vehicles to your left and right as well as those that might be in your blind spot.
– Check your rearview mirror and estimate the emergency vehicle’s speed and plan your next move. Start looking ahead to see if there is a safe area to pull over.
– Move forward at a safe speed if you are unable to bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Always signal your intentions to emergency vehicles and other road users by using your indicators.
– If possible, move over to the left inside lane and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass, and keep in mind that there may be more emergency vehicles heading in the same direction.
– Be prepared – it might be possible that you are approaching the scene of a road crash.
– When at an intersection with a stop sign or red light, with an emergency vehicle coming up behind you, stay where you are if you are unable to pull over to the left lane.
– It is wise to anticipate the likely route the driver of the emergency vehicle will take and try to assist them to pass safely.
Johan concluded by reminding motorists of the following, “Motorists do not know whether or not there is a real emergency but it is not up to them to decide what is and what isn’t.
A driver must give immediate and absolute right of way to any emergency vehicle that has its warning lights and siren activated.”
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