A Plea For Motorists: Respect Lights And Sirens During Fire & Emergency Situations

Invercargill Fire and Emergency Service is urging drivers to improve their driving behaviours in response to emergency vehicles, reporting an increase in erratic driving when responding to emergencies with lights and sirens.

Erratic driving from motorists confronted by Fire and Emergency vehicles responding to incidents has firefighters worried. Invercargill crews have noted a spate of unpredictable behaviour from some drivers recently.

One Invercargill firefighter described some of the moves by seemingly confused drivers as “an accident waiting to happen.” Double lane arterials such as Invercargill’s North Road have seen some motorists stubbornly sit in the right-hand lane, impeding fire trucks, while other drivers have been observed drifting onto the left shoulder but continuing at the limit of 80km per hour. Some are guilty of making hasty last-minute decisions, like driving up over the curb.

Here’s the clear message we need to share with our communities. If you see lights and/or sirens approaching from behind you:

• Do not panic: Stay calm and prepared to move.
• Move to the left: Allow emergency vehicles to pass on the right.
• Facilitate room for manoeuvre: Help other vehicles in moving over.
• Signal your intentions: Use your indicator to show which way you will be moving, and maintain a safe and steady pace.

Moreover, if an emergency vehicle is stationary with its lights flashing or sirens on, slow down and pass with extra caution to ensure safety for everyone on the road.