Never ever:
- Tailgate or overtake an emergency vehicle with lights or sirens unless
directed to do so.
Race after an emergency service vehicle to get through a traffic light.
Break a red light or speed to allow emergency service vehicles to pass you unless you’re directed to do so by the Gardaí or emergency service personnel.
Brake suddenly or block the road.
Overtake a moving emergency service vehicle that is displaying flashing lights.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists should look and listen for emergency service vehicles.
It is important to think about the route of the emergency service vehicle to make sure that you are not in its path. Keep in as far as possible on the correct side of the road.
If you are a pedestrian and there is an embankment or grass verge, you should use it (if it is safe to do so) in order to keep out of danger. If you are pushing a pram or buggy, this may not be possible so make sure that you keep in as far as possible. Try to anticipate the route that the emergency service vehicle is taking and attempt to alert the emergency service vehicle to your presence on the road.
If you have children with you, make sure that you are holding their hands at all times. It is important to wear hi-viz clothing at all times to make sure other road users can see you. Pedestrians should always wait until emergency service vehicles have passed before crossing the road at traffic lights, pedestrian lights, zebra crossings or pelican crossings.
For more information see ‘Sharing the Road with Emergency Service Vehicles – some basic tips’, available from www.rsa.ie.