No Right Turn

[Umpire]

I was asked today what I thought the outcome would be if an ambulance with blue lights on came past The Bridge Inn on Hollis Lane  and turned right on to the by pass instead of going round the roundabout on Markham Road and it was witnessed by the police.
Anybody any thoughts?

[Fly]

Unless the ambulance didn't put any other road user in danger, I wouldn't have a problem with it. I've seen it done.
They are allowed to undertake, drive on the wrong side of the road, and jump red light's.
Isn't the driver responsible should the worse happen though ?
They are trained to drive under blues and twos !

[Slacker]

I've seen ambulances do it, no different from jumping a red light which they are allowed to do with care. Also seen other vehicles do it when the road is fairly quiet.

[therealjr]

I don't think any emergency services vehicle is allowed to break traffic regulations to the strict letter of the law. However everyone would expect the police to turn a blind eye to any violation that didnt cause accidents

[Scimitar]

I think we all get out of the way inclusive of Police,Ambulance,Fire Brigade.
However, a Bus was crashed into on the bus gate at Park Rd because the lights had gone to green, but an ambulance approaching from the right on Markham Rd only had lights on & no siren.It went through a red light at speed & the bus driver didn't see it coming - no siren. Took the bus out completely - fortunately no serious injuries!
The Bus driver took early retirement, but had a blemish free record prior to this incident.
The Emergency services must be applauded for what they do in challenging situations.

[Old Cruser]

Scimitar - I had a near miss a few years ago at the lights which join Derby Road from Walton.
I was turning right and an Ambulance came through on red heading for Chesterfield - no Siren.
Just stopped in time before pulling out in front of it.

I always give way to them and police cars and have had other cars overtake me and hindering the movement of the emergency vehicle.
Is this because they don't use their mirrors or have their music on too loud - what do you think?

[Scimitar]

Scimitar - I had a near miss a few years ago at the lights which join Derby Road from Walton.
I was turning right and an Ambulance came through on red heading for Chesterfield - no Siren.
Just stopped in time before pulling out in front of it.

I always give way to them and police cars and have had other cars overtake me and hindering the movement of the emergency vehicle.
Is this because they don't use their mirrors or have their music on too loud - what do you think?

I'm sure the majority of drivers do their best in terms of assisting Emergency Vehicles.
However, despite the bright lights, they need to ensure that we  can hear them before we see them. No one wants to hinder their progress,but I agree folks may have music so loud in their cars that they are oblivious to the Emergency Vehicle directly behind them.

[Fly]

Or deaf and shouldn't be driving.
Sorry, but it's true. 

I see deaf people   

[Old Cruser]

Or deaf and shouldn't be driving.
Sorry, but it's true. 

I see deaf people   

Oh flipping heck - it's coming up to Halloween 

[eabbus]

I had one behind me the other day whist driving a merc vario minibus. Came flying past me at hollingwood, I check my mirrors regularly but I didn't hear it until it passed. These buses are so noisy though as I'm sure scimitar can vouch for with stagecoach having a few for years.

[Scimitar]

True - everything rattling - windows, banging suspension, etc