Ambulance Safety and Warning Signs on Night Highway

Seeing an ambulance with sirens on while driving on the highway at night always requires extra attention for drivers. Factors like limited visibility, high speed, and fatigue create risks in terms of secondary accidents and chain collisions. In this article, we discuss what you need to do to increase safety when you encounter an ambulance on the highway at night and while waiting for an ambulance.

Remember That Night Vision Is Limited

Factors like oncoming headlights, rain, or fog restrict night vision even more. Therefore:

• Keep the following distance longer than during the day.
• Take care to keep your speed at a level suitable for your viewing distance.
• Do not use rear fog lights unnecessarily; do not dazzle drivers coming from behind.

These basic rules are the first steps of night highway safety, whether there is an ambulance or not.

What Should You Do When You Hear an Ambulance Siren at Night?

Instead of braking suddenly as a reflex when you hear a siren sound, follow these steps:

• First listen to the sound and try to understand which direction the ambulance is coming from.
• Determine its position by checking your mirrors.
• Slow down safely and clear the lane you are in to be suitable for the ambulance's passage.
• If possible, contribute to creating a "life corridor" in the middle by pulling over to the right lane.

Sudden braking and sharp maneuvers can endanger both you and the vehicles coming from behind.

Warning Signs While Waiting for Ambulance After Accident

If you had an accident on the highway at night and are waiting for an ambulance, you need to increase visibility to prevent secondary accidents:

• Turn on hazard warning lights if your vehicle is running.
• Place the reflective triangle warning sign if possible; this distance should generally be kept longer on highways.
• Use a reflective vest; it increases your visibility while walking on the roadside.
• Move to a safe area outside the road as much as possible; waiting inside the vehicle may not always be safe.

These measures make it easier for ambulance and other emergency teams to reach you safely.

Expectations of Ambulance Teams in Terms of Road Safety

Ambulance teams expect the following when they come to the highway at night:

• The accident area should be marked as much as possible
• Traffic flow should not be blocked by dangerous maneuvers
• Curious crowd should stay away from the scene

If you are at the scene, you can contribute to the safety of both yourself and the environment by following the team's instructions.

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Encountering an ambulance on the highway at night can trigger a feeling of panic in many drivers. However, knowing the right steps allows you to turn this state of panic into controlled and safe behavior. Nova Ambulans is with you in emergencies with its fully equipped vehicles and experienced teams, day and night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I give way by exceeding the speed limit when I hear an ambulance siren on the highway at night?

No; instead of exceeding the speed limit or accelerating suddenly, you should give way by slowing down in a controlled manner and passing to the appropriate lane. Sudden speed changes and aggressive maneuvers risk the safety of both you and the ambulance.

Where should I put the warning triangle after an accident?

The general rule is to place the triangle at a safe distance behind the vehicle and at a point where drivers can notice you in advance. Distances should be kept longer on highways, and warning distances specified in the highway regulation should be followed if possible.

Why is it objectionable to take videos or photos at the scene?

Taking photos and videos can distract your attention from safety and risk the lives of both yourself and others. Also, in terms of protecting patients' privacy and personal data, it is necessary to focus on the directions of the professional team instead of taking images at the scene.