Dealing With Blue Lights on British Roads

Why is it Important?

Many drivers get confused or panicked when they are in proximity to an emergency vehicle dealing with with blue lights and the siren is blaring. It’s an understandable thing, but it can lead to problems, so here we set out what you should do, and what you should avoid, so that you, and those around you remain safe and legal.

What To Do When Blue Lighted Vehicles Appear

• Stay calm, and be aware of your surroundings, particularly of what is happening behind and at the sides of you if the vehicle is coming from behind. Assess what is going on. Try to work out if there is more than one emergency vehicle.
• Signal to let the vehicle, and others know your intention
• Use your indicators to let people know you’re preparing to pull over or shift position. Being predictable is very important.
• Move to the side safely.
• Find a safe place to pull aside, and avoid unsafe places such as bends, brows of hills or opposite other vehicles on narrow roads. A straight piece of road is good.
• Don’t just hit the brakes – Think about those behind you. Just because there are blue lights and a siren, it is not a cue for you to do an emergency stop. Don’t risk a collision. You may confuse the emergency driver too if you suddenly stop. Just pull up normally.

What About a Red Traffic Light?

People often think they can shoot a red light if they are dealing with blue lights. They can’t do that legally, and if you do it, you are breaking the law and risk both a fine and points on your licence. There’s always the risk of causing a collision too. The only time this is acceptable is if a uniformed police officer directs you to do so, otherwise do not cross the stop line. If you are first in the line, stay put. The emergency vehicle will find its way round you, or it will wait until the light changes.

Fast Roads Such as Dual Carriageways and Motorways

The situations are the same, but you may need to be prepared to react sooner. Fast roads require even more alertness.

• Unless it is safe to change lane, do not do so
• Do NOT stop in a live traffic lane to allow an emergency vehicle to pass or for any other reason
• Create a channel for the emergency vehicle by moving left or right if safe to do so, but avoid the hard shoulder, as it may be legitimately occupied, or full of debris

If you Hear Sirens But See No Lights

• Stay vigilant on all sides of your vehicle
• Remain very alert
• Opening a window may help to locate the direction of the siren
• Keep moving until you need to pull over safely
• Maintain a steady pace and avoid speeding up

Things To Avoid

• Do NOT mount kerbs – this is damaging for your vehicle and unsafe for pedestrians
• Do NOT block junctions – particularly yellow box junctions. Blocking junctions can lead to congestion that delays the emergency services
• Do NOT stop opposite other vehicles where it will narrow the road as larger emergency vehicles such as fire appliances may struggle to pass.

“Effective Non Use” of Sirens

When an emergency vehicle switches off its siren but leaves on its blue lights this is called “Effective Non Use.”

Effective Non Use can cover many circumstances, including the avoidance of sirens when responding late at night, to avoid noise pollution, however it is commonly used when an emergency vehicle cannot legally pass, and has to wait for a safe and legal opportunity. For example if an ambulance or fire appliance is behind a car in a double white line system, it cannot legally pass unless the car fully stops, and therefore the emergency vehicle will usually switch off its siren, leaving only its blue lights. This signifies “I am here, but I do not expect you to get out of my way.” When the lines allow the vehicle to pass, it will again put on its siren, and pass the car, hopefully with the car allowing room if safe.

Why Being Aware when dealing with Blue Lights Really Matters

• By helping emergency responders and dealing with blue lights properly, you may be saving lives.
• By being a good driver and remaining alert, you are playing your part in road safety.
• Emergency responders face delays every day due to poor driver decisions and lack of awareness.

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