What Should You Do When You Hear an Ambulance Siren in Traffic?

Ambulance siren indicates that someone needs emergency help. Rapid arrival of teams saves lives [1]Source: NHTSA Emergency Vehicle Safety — nhtsa.gov[2]Source: WHO Road Safety — World Health Organization. So what is your responsibility as a driver?

Dos

1. Be Calm and Do Not Panic: Avoid sudden braking or uncontrolled maneuvers. This can lead to bigger accidents [1]Source: NHTSA Emergency Vehicle Safety — nhtsa.gov.
2. Determine Where the Ambulance Is Coming From: Listen to the sound and determine the ambulance's position by checking your mirrors.
3. Give Way (Zipper Method): The most important rule is to open a way for the ambulance. If possible, slow down and approach the nearest lane (usually the right lane) to create a "life corridor" in the middle [1]Source: NHTSA Emergency Vehicle Safety — nhtsa.gov[3]Source: European Commission Road Safety — road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu. On multi-lane roads, vehicles on the left should approach left, vehicles on the right should approach right to open a way like a zipper [3]Source: European Commission Road Safety — road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu.
4. Be Careful at Intersections: If you are at an intersection and the green light is on for you, wait for the ambulance to pass [1]Source: NHTSA Emergency Vehicle Safety — nhtsa.gov[2]Source: WHO Road Safety — World Health Organization. Move after making sure the ambulance has passed safely.

Don'ts

1. Do Not Stop Suddenly: Stopping in the middle or suddenly can cause vehicles coming from behind to hit you and the road to be blocked even more [1]Source: NHTSA Emergency Vehicle Safety — nhtsa.gov.
2. Do Not Follow the Ambulance: Do not try to go fast after the ambulance to open the way. This is both dangerous and illegal [1]Source: NHTSA Emergency Vehicle Safety — nhtsa.gov[2]Source: WHO Road Safety — World Health Organization.
3. Do Not Block the Road: Do not block the safety lane or areas where other drivers can escape.

Remember, giving way to an ambulance is not only a traffic rule but also a humanitarian duty. Every second of sensitivity you show can save someone else's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to enter the safety lane when I hear an ambulance siren?

No; since the aim is to open a corridor for the ambulance, it is sufficient to slow down in a controlled manner in your lane and approach right or left. Blocking the safety lane unnecessarily can make the ambulance's progress difficult.

What should I do if an ambulance comes while the green light is on at the intersection?

Even if the light is green for you, the ambulance with siren and beacon lights on has priority. Make sure the ambulance passes safely before leaving the intersection, then move.

Does following the ambulance and going fast require a penalty?

Yes; using the ambulance as a "path opener" is both dangerous and against the legislation. You should maintain following distance with the ambulance and return to your normal speed after helping its passage.