WHEN seeing blue lights in their rear-view mirror most driver’s natural instinct is to get out of the way by any means possible.
Emergency services on the way to an incident are permitted to drive through red lights, with drivers often getting out of the way in whatever way they can.
However, if drivers cross over the white line when traffic lights show red, they are committing an offence an could cause an accident in the process.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service explained that drivers should never do this, with emergency drivers specifically trained to navigate the congestion.
“You must never go through a red traffic light to let an emergency vehicle pass.,” said the spokesperson. “Only a uniformed police officer has the authority to direct you through a red light.
“Emergency drivers (ambulances, police, and fire engines) are specially trained to navigate red lights safely. If they cannot get through, they will either find a way around you or turn off their sirens and wait.”
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Under Highway Code rules, drivers should take appropriate action to let emergency vehicles pass, but this must not include going through a red light unless directed by a uniformed police officer.
It reads: “When (an emergency vehicle) approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs.”
The Highway Code advises motorists to stay calm, look and listen, and pull to the side of the road and stop if it is safe to do so – but not before the brow of a hill, on a bend, or a narrow section of road.
Drivers are also reminded not to brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout or mount the kerb while trying to make room for emergency vehicles.
Could you be fined for crossing a red light to let an emergency vehicle through?
Crossing the white line when a red light is showing could lead to a fine or points on your licence. It could also create increased danger to pedestrians and other cars on the road.
