New video aims to clarify to react around blue lights
A new educational video has been launched today to advice drivers on how to best react when confronted by an urgent emergency vehicle.
The sudden appearance of flashing blue lights in one’s rear view triggers a sense of panic in some motorists, leading to dangerous manoeuvres in some cases just to get out of the way.
This has paved the way for ‘Blue Light Aware’, a five-minute video which offers advice to members of the public on how best to help an emergency service driver on a ‘blue light’ run.
Put together by the Breakdown Organisation and Road Safety Charity GEM Motoring Assist, the advice clarifies specific situations which have caused confusion for motorists in the past.
“Our research showed that the vast majority of road users want to help an emergency service driver,” said David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, who led the project.
“The difficulties come because it is not always clear what they are expected to do in order to provide the best help.”
This confusion was leading to too many members of the public putting themselves in danger, risking damage to their cars and even breaking the law while trying to help an emergency vehicle.
The video has been given the seal of approval from the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Chief Fire Officers Association, the Driving Standards Agency, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, RoadSafe, the Motor Schools Association and the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
“The need for a new information video has been raised frequently in recent years,” added Mr Williams.
“The Blue Light Aware resource, with the video at its core, has been developed to reduce confusion and doubt for motorists. We are pleased to be providing this information that we believe will act as a bridge of understanding between emergency service drivers and other motorists.
“Emergency service drivers make ‘blue light’ journeys because someone needs their urgent help. We in turn can help them by giving them the room they need. In so doing, we may well be helping to save a life.”
The video can be viewed at bluelightaware.org.uk or by clicking the image below.
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