Brisbane drivers driven to distraction by emergency vehicle sirens

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Brisbane drivers driven to distraction by emergency vehicle sirens

Mark Hinchliffe From: The Courier-Mail September 13, 2011 12:00AM

BRISBANE drivers are mounting footpaths, driving on the wrong side of the road, making illegal turns and driving through red lights to get out of the way of emergency vehicles.

Almost one in three Brisbane motorists - 29 per cent - admit to illegal road use to make room for emergency vehicles, according to research by car insurer Budget Direct.

The worst offenders are males aged 25-34 (28 per cent), believing it is correct procedure to go through a red light.
Young females are just behind them on 26 per cent.

Roma Street ambulance station officer in charge Andrew Poli, 40, said he has seen motorists do "stupid things" to get out of the way of emergency vehicles in his 15 years with the service.

"On one occasion, I was driving up Sandgate Rd and a driver drove on to the median strip at speed and we had to back away in case he lost control," he said.

"People freak out and do stupid, dangerous things when they see us coming.

"They usually slam on their brakes and swerve. Over the years we've seen people get into little bingles every now and then - mostly sideswipes and nose-to-tails."

Mr Poli said the biggest problem was motorists not seeing or hearing an emergency vehicle with its siren wailing.

"Modern cars are designed to be sound-proof, so they can't hear our sirens. They don't even have to have the stereo cranked up to not hear us," he said.

"Generally it's people just not paying attention and not checking their mirrors."

The correct procedure for a motorist when approached by an emergency vehicle is to slow down, give way by moving safely and legally to the left, and let the vehicle pass.

"Keep an eye on your mirrors and don't react dramatically when you do see us," Mr Poli said. "Take your time and plan your route to get out of the way."

Budget Direct's Richelle Ward said that despite 95 per cent of Brisbane drivers claiming to be confident about giving way to an emergency vehicle, the survey results show the opposite.

"The biggest standout was the high number of people (34 per cent) who believe it's OK to drive on to a footpath to allow an emergency vehicle to pass," she said.

"This could potentially endanger pedestrians. We understand people just want to do the right thing and help emergency vehicles reach their destination but erratic driving behaviour could cause further accidents."

Comment : On talk back radio this morning, if you get pinged by a speed camera, getting out of the way of an emergency vehicle, thats no defence. You still have to pay the fine. Another example of speed cameras being revenue raisers. BUT if you go thru a red light, safely with the ambulance in the photo, no ticket is issued..