Negotiating The Approach Of Blue Light Vehicles On Driving Lessons

Learners will often give an instant panic reaction to the sound of a vehicle siren

. Being inexperienced, pupils feel they have much less confidence and feel they are somehow trespassing on the road. This leads to a good deal of guessing that other motorists are annoyed by them leading to inconsistent driving. The situation is made worse upon the learner driver hearing an emergency vehicle siren and not being able to see the vehicle immediately. Sirens can be heard well before the vehicle is close enough to require a driving response and the direction the emergency vehicle is approaching from can be difficult to pinpoint owing to the echoing nature of the sound. Learner drivers are accustomed to hearing sirens when walking down the street but panic can be almost instant when they are in the driving school car.

The first thing to teach a learner driver is to stay calm and continue driving until the emergency vehicle can be seen in either the mirrors or by looking ahead. When they know which direction vehicle is coming from then they can begin to plan. Plan to move out of the way as soon as possible. A learner driver's first reaction is to slow down which is often the wrong course of action. Keep the traffic flow moving so as not to block the emergency vehicle. Select a safe place to pull up. Often during driving lessons learners will panic and pull up opposite parked cars leaving insufficient room for any vehicles to get passed. This has been a reason for failure on many tests. Hitting the kerb to get up onto the pavement is also less than ideal. There is a risk to pedestrians and of tyre damage if the kerb is struck with enough force. It is the job of driving instructors to calm pupils and assist them in finding a safe and convenient place to stop.

Learner drivers need to be reminded that you cannot just break the law to clear the way for an emergency vehicle. It is illegal and dangerous to go through a red traffic light to make way and drivers of emergency vehicles will not expect you to do this. Drivers can be fined for entering bus lanes iduring their hours of operation even to let an ambulance past so learners must be taught to avoid this. Breaking the speed limit is also illegal, even in a good cause.

by: Russ Chaplin

POST COMMENT

Dig Through The Dirt With A Bobcat From D&m Plant Hire Road Pricing Will Lead To Increased Cost Of Driving Lessons Will We See Electric Cars Used On Driving Lessons? Places To Relax For Senior Citizens Is High Speed Danger The Primary Danger On The Road? Stretch Limousines For Hire In Melbourne Parking Technology Means Learners Must Know The Rules Choosing The Perfect Modern Kitchen Affordable Roof Repairs In Melbourne Finding Local Electricians In Emu Plains Combi Ovens Galore At Practical Products Keep Cool With The Perfect Ice Maker How To Unclog Your Drain