[Car Tips] How to give way when you see an emergency vehicle (ambulance/fire truck)
🚨 Let me tell you: When you see an emergency vehicle, how should you give way?
When driving on Hong Kong roads, you will often encounter emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, such as:
- Ambulance (emergency hospital transport)
- Fire truck (rushing to the fire or rescue scene)
- Police car (chasing suspects or handling emergencies)
The presence of these vehicles means someone's life is on the line, and every second counts. A second of hesitation can add another second to the traffic jam, and that second could change lives. Therefore, giving way properly is not only a matter of courtesy, but also a legal obligation.
1️⃣ Hong Kong Road Users' Code
According to the Hong Kong Transport Department's Road Users' Code and Road Traffic Ordinance:
- When you see or hear an emergency vehicle sirens and flashing lights, drivers have an obligation to give way as quickly and safely as possible .
- The way to give way is to stop as close to the road as possible , or leave space for the emergency vehicle to pass safely.
- Remember not to brake suddenly or change lanes, as this can be dangerous.
Violators may be impeding emergency vehicles from performing their duties and may be prosecuted.
2️⃣ Disassembly of actual combat scenarios one by one
🛣️Generally two-lane or three-lane roads
- Left lane : Drive as close to the left as possible, slow down gradually and give way to the middle or right lane depending on the situation.
- Drive in the center lane : Check your rearview mirror. If an emergency vehicle is behind you, turn safely to the left or right lane, leaving the center lane.
- Right lane : If you do not need to overtake, you should return to the left lane. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the rear, you should give up the right lane to avoid obstruction.
🚦Traffic jam
Traffic jams are a major problem in Hong Kong.
- If you see police lights reflected in the rearview mirror or hear a police siren, stand still in advance .
- If possible, slowly move the middle corridor (commonly known as the "life corridor") to both sides .
- Remember not to follow an emergency vehicle because you are in a hurry. This is very dangerous and illegal.
🔄Roundabout/Intersection
- Before an emergency vehicle enters a roundabout, you should stop at the entrance and wait for it to pass .
- Even if you arrive at the position first and see him hurrying, you should give him priority.
🚏Bus stop/narrow road
- If you are on a narrow road, consider slowing down or stopping at a bus stop to wait for the bus to pass.
- Don't stubbornly think "avoid after turning a corner", because the driver may be waiting for you to clear the way behind the corner.
3️⃣ Editor's Friendly Reminder
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Don't play loud music .<br>It's too noisy and you won't be able to hear the alarm, especially if the air conditioner and stereo are turned up high.
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Use your rearview mirror more often .<br>An emergency vehicle may approach from behind at high speed. The sooner you notice it, the sooner you can be prepared.
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Watch out for reflections <br>Even if you don't hear a sound, the reflection of car lights in your mirror at night is a reminder.
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Don't rush to grab a seat after avoiding the vehicle .<br>Some drivers like to just follow the vehicle after avoiding it. This is very dangerous and low-quality.
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Pedestrians should also give way .<br>When crossing the road and hearing a horn, stop immediately and don't think "I've made it all".
4️⃣ Three-step shorthand method for emergency vehicles
The editor helps everyone summarize it into three words: "Watch, slow down, avoid"
- Look - use your rearview mirror, and pay attention to sounds and lights.
- Slow down - slow down according to the situation and don't rush.
- Avoid - Safely move out of the lane or pull over to give way.
💬Editor's thoughts :
Hong Kong's roads are already crowded enough. If everyone reacted quickly and gave way, it would be like providing emergency vehicles with more "fast lanes," saving more lives. Giving way to emergency vehicles is actually a form of civic responsibility and human kindness.
