Many drivers often tend to panic and veer off on the wrong sides unexpectedly when they hear the wailing sirens, which is dangerous for the driver and others on the same road.

If you think you’ll probably react in the same manner when you are approached by an emergency vehicle, then this article is a good read for you as it explains how to react and safely share the road with any kind of emergency vehicle be it fire truck, police car or ambulance.

Don’t Panic and Stay Calm

When you hear sirens and see lights flashing from behind, that’s probably an emergency vehicle approaching you. Don’t panic because in panic people make the worst decisions as it’s hard to think rationally.  Stay calm to avoid the knee jerk instinct which is to pull over immediately.

Slow Down and Right-of-Way

The best thing to do in times like these is to slow down. Now check the traffic around you as there could be a car on the side or a pedestrian. When you find a clear path and clear of intersections, pull over to the right of the roadway and stop.  This will free the lane for the emergency vehicle without putting your life or others at risk.

Wait For the Emergency Vehicle to Pass

Stop and wait until the emergency vehicle passes by. Once the vehicle has passed, now check the traffic flow using the side and front mirrors. Slowly move your car back on track and accelerate to the pace that you normally drive.

Final Steps

These simple etiquettes can help you remain calm and poised in an emergency and get you where you need to go safely.