Navigating Stressful Emergency Vehicle Drives Through Traffic

Driving an emergency vehicle through traffic can often be stressful and hazardous. This depends significantly on a combination of traffic conditions, weather, and road design. In urban or large town settings, most drivers tend to ignore their surroundings diligently, making it challenging and potentially dangerous to navigate around them and busy traffic. Over the years, advancements in emergency lighting and sirens have made it easier to gain attention, but navigating through traffic can still feel like ''driving through a can of worms'' at times.

Enhancing Visibility with LED Lighting and Sirens

I have experienced firsthand the limitations of emergency lighting and sirens. My vehicle features two enormous 1500 lumen rapid flashing LED lights mounted on my grill guard and a dual 1800 lumen multiple flash pattern LED on my dash headlights. These headlight settings alternate with my fog lights and a powerful 200-watt siren, yet even with these powerful features, drivers sometimes fail to notice or hear me. Despite my lights being visible three miles down the road, people still do not always see or heed them until they are right behind them.

The Power of Perception and Practice

Very rarely do I encounter incidents where every driver responds appropriately to emergency vehicles. Training has taught me the importance of subtle yet effective techniques. One such lesson was to drive at or just below the speed limit. Driving in a stationary vehicle with all windows up and the stereo on, at 35 MPH, and being passed by a car doing 60 with lights and sirens on is when the visual and aural signals are most apparent. Interestingly, even with this training, my actions often align with the practical experience of a more seasoned colleague.

Observed Behavior and Predictive Driving

Every driver we encounter when responding to a call must be predicted and anticipated, as public awareness and observation skills often fall short. Emergency vehicles are large, heavy, and have a significant number of miles on the clock. Therefore, driving while also predicting the behavior of other drivers is crucial. For instance, on an ambulance service call, my expectations were not always met, as I was p.o.ed that my colleague did not speed. Interestingly, nearly everyone around us seemed to recognize the call and moved out of our way.

The Harsh Reality of Repeated Incidents

Driving fast through traffic can be not only stressful but also exhausting and noisy. The repetitive nature of these incidents during a shift can significantly impact a driver's mental and physical well-being. There is a common misconception among some individuals that we should activate our emergency lights and sirens for minor inconveniences or personal errands. However, in my 24 years of experience in the ambulance service, I have never heard of anyone doing that. The realities of navigating through traffic in an emergency vehicle are often far too stressful to be used for such trivial matters.

Conclusion

Driving an emergency vehicle through traffic is a challenging task that requires heightened awareness, strategic planning, and mental resilience. While advancements in technology have improved visibility and awareness, public perception and behavior remain critical factors. Recognizing and adapting to the dynamic nature of traffic can significantly reduce the stress and hazards associated with such drives.