Sirens spark stupid driving

...and driving through red lights to get out of the way of emergency vehicles.

Almost one in four (23 per cent) Melbourne motorists, one in five Sydney drivers and a third of Brisbane drivers admit to illegal road use to make room for emergency vehicles, according to research by car insurer Budget Direct. Ambulance officer Andrew Poli, 40, says he has seen motorists do "stupid things" to get out of the way of emergency vehicles in his 15 years with the service.

Poli says the biggest problem is 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," Poli advises. Take your time and plan your route to get out of the way."

Budget Direct spokeswoman Richelle Ward said that despite more than 90 per cent of drivers claiming to be confident about giving way to an emergency vehicle, the survey results show the opposite. "The biggest stand out was the high number of people that believe it's okay to drive on to a footpath to allow an emergency vehicle to pass," she said. Drivers need to keep their wits about them and be practical as 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," Ms Ward said.