Every day on our roads, emergency responders race against time.

Whether it is an ambulance rushing to a cardiac arrest, a fire engine responding to a house blaze, or a police vehicle attending a critical incident, every second genuinely matters.

Yet, despite this reality, I continue to witness a worrying pattern of behaviour when blue lights and sirens approach: many motorists remain unsure how to respond safely and legally when an emergency vehicle approaches. 

This is not a criticism, but rather an observation shaped by years of training, mentoring, and working closely with learners and experienced drivers alike.

The truth is simple: too many motorists hesitate, panic, or make unsafe and illegal decisions at the very moment when clarity and calm are needed most. 

Understanding priority 

One of the most common misconceptions is that drivers must do whatever it takes to get out of the way.

That is not true.

Motorists must never break the law to let an emergency vehicle pass.

That means: 

  • Not driving through a red light 
  • Not entering a bus lane illegally 
  • Not stopping in a yellow box 
  • Not mounting the kerb 
  • Not making sudden or unpredictable movements  

Emergency drivers may use certain permitted exemptions, such as carefully passing through a red light or using the opposite side of the road, because they are trained, authorised, and operating under strict protocols.  

Motorists do not have these exemptions, which is why staying legal is essential. 

What emergency responders need from the public is cooperation within the law, not chaos and increased danger. 

Awareness

Drivers must keep their eyes and ears open at all times, aware of everything going on around the vehicle, to drive and react in measured, safe ways.

Responding correctly to an emergency vehicle begins long before the blue lights appear in your mirror.

It starts with good observation: 

  • Keep scanning the road ahead 
  • Check mirrors frequently 
  • Lower music volume 
  • Avoid distractions 

Look for reflections of blue lights on buildings or vehicles.  

Awareness buys you time.

Time gives you options.

Options are opportunities to keep everyone safe.

Safe, legal and helpful 

When you see or hear an emergency vehicle: 

1. Stay calm and plan early – panic leads to poor decisions. Instead, breathe, assess, and prepare. 

2. Use MSM (Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre) – this simple routine remains one of the most powerful tools for safe driving.

I also call MSM: Motorists’ Safest Medicine. 

– Mirror: Check what’s around you  
– Signal: Communicate your intention  
– Manoeuvre: Move only when it is safe and legal  

Early MSM creates space quickly and predictably. 

3. Create a clear path – if safe, you may:  

– Pull slightly to the left  
– Stop in a safe, legal position  
– Allow emergency vehicles to use the opposite lane if it’s clear  
– Leave space at junctions so they can navigate through  

Small movements, done early, make a big difference. 

The cost of hesitation 

During training sessions, I often see experienced motorists freeze or stop in unsuitable places, blocking junctions, obstructing narrow roads, or stopping abruptly without checking mirrors.

These actions, though well‑intentioned, can delay emergency responders or even cause collisions. 

We must remember:  Responding to an emergency is their job. Helping them reach safely is ours. 

Cooperation saves lives 

Road safety is not just about rules; it is about responsibility.

When we respond correctly to emergency vehicles, we are not simply following the Highway Code; we are participating in a chain of survival.

Our actions can influence outcomes for people we may never meet. 

A few seconds of thoughtful driving can mean the difference between life and death for someone’s loved one. 

As motorists, we share the road with professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting ours.

The least we can do is give them the space, respect, and cooperation they need to reach those in danger. 

As driver trainers, we set the foundations for safe driving for life for our clients, young or old, which is key to our work.

Providing drivers with the skills to respond to emergency vehicles safely and appropriately, especially on increasingly busy roads, is an essential part of our teaching curriculum.

A good video for all drivers, including learners, is Blue Light Aware.

Stay alert. Stay calm. Stay legal.  
And always remember: every second counts. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sanjib Bhattacharjee BEM
Road Safety Advocate, ADI Trainer, Mentor