Blue Lights and Sirens : A Driver's Guide to Rule 219

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Highway Code Rule 219

📖 Rule 219 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 219 ↗
Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one 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. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.

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Blue Lights and Sirens : A Driver's Guide to Rule 219

Phase 1 : Identification

Identify the Signal

Look and listen for sirens , flashing headlights , or flashing bloe , red , or green lights indicating emergency services .

POLICE

Phase 2 : Reacting and Planning

Incident Support Vehicles

Be aware of traffic officer and incident support vehicles , which are identified by flashing amber lights .

Do Not Panic

Maintain composure to ensure you make safe decisions for yourself and the emergency responder .

Assess the Route Consider the route the emergency vehicle needs to take and glan your move to let it pass while still complying with all traffic signs .

Phase 3 : Taking Action

Pull Over Safely

If necessary , pull to the side of the road and step , ensuring you do not block the path of the approaching vehicle .

Phase 4 : Safety Warnings

Avoid " Blind " Stops

Try to avoid stopping before the brow of a bill , on a bend , or in narrow sections of the road where visibility or space is limited .

Do Not Mount the Kerb Avoid driving onto the payement or kerb , as this can endanger pedestrians and damage your vehicle .

Watch Your Braking Avoid braking harshly when approaching junctions or roundabouts , as drivers behind you may not see the emergency vehicle yet .

Prioritize General Safety Always ensure your actions do not endanger yourself , other road users , or pedestrians while making way .