Driving in emergency situations requires split-second decisions and careful judgment without sacrificing safety. Whether you are rushing to medical assistance or navigating around an emergency, safety of all depends on driving calmly, skilfully and swiftly.
Medical emergencies
While seeking professional medical transport is ideal, there is always a chance you may need to transport someone to urgent medical care. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “If someone requires immediate medical attention, your first instinct may be to speed. Reckless driving, however, can turn into multiple emergencies and tragedies,” says Herbert.
- Evaluate: transporting someone to hospital yourself should always be the last resort. If they are unconscious, not breathing, or have severe trauma, calling emergency services is often wiser. Paramedics have specialised equipment and can begin treatment en-route to hospital.
- Prioritise safety: keep your speed reasonable. Arriving slightly later is better than not arriving at all. Use hazard lights but avoid hooting which can startle other motorists and make others irate. Maintain safe following distances and avoid aggressive lane changes.
- Planning: take a few minutes to select the most direct route, avoiding complex intersections, construction zones and congestion depending on the time of day. A longer route with less traffic is sometimes faster.
- Assistance: have another person help the patient so you can focus on driving. If alone, do not attempt to help and drive simultaneously. Pull over if the situation becomes critical and requires assistance.
Navigating road emergencies
Whether a multi-vehicle accidents or stalled vehicle, these require different driving strategies. “Of primary importance is heightened awareness. Each type of emergency has unique challenges that demand specific responses from approaching drivers,” says Herbert.
- Move over: immediately decide on a response when you see flashing lights. Always slow down and if you can, safely change lanes. If not, reduce your speed significantly and maintain extra distance.
- Approaching accidents: reduce speed well before the accident scene. Avoid rubbernecking and causing secondary accidents and further traffic. Focus on the road ahead and follow the direction of emergency personnel.
- Breakdowns: do not stop for stranded motorists. Your vehicle becomes another hazard, and you expose yourself to criminal activity. Instead, call authorities to report the location.
- Weather-related emergencies: during severe weather increase following distances, reduce speed, and prepare for sudden stops or lane closures. Emergency responders have limited visibility in bad weather, making unpredictable driving even more dangerous.
- Creating safe zones: When emergency vehicles need to pass, safely move aside if possible. Never drive in the emergency lane.
Remember, emergency situations place significant pressure on multiple drivers and passengers. “Balance the urgency with safety, ensuring your response does not create another emergency,” says Herbert.
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