Wherever you drive, there's always a chance you will encounter an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens switched on; the so-called 'blues and twos'.

This clearly signals to all other road users that a police car, fire engine, ambulance, doctor’s car or even a coastguard vehicle is responding to an emergency call. Obviously, they need a clear path.

What not to do

Time is of the essence. Emergency vehicles need to get to a scene as quickly as possible and most other drivers want to help. Does this mean getting out of the way as quickly as possible and letting the emergency vehicle through at all costs?

No, it doesn't. The Highway Code states (rule 219) that you should ‘not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians, and avoid mounting the kerb’.

Some drivers may panic when they see blue flashing lights, while others are sucked into the drama of the moment. This is why the essential thing to do when spotting blue flashing lights or hearing sirens is to remain calm.

Look ahead, not behind

When you know which direction the emergency vehicle is approaching from, assess the road ahead to find a safe place to pull over or stop to let the emergency vehicle pass. If there is no safe space available, continue driving at a safe speed until you can pull over.

This may sound as if you'll be holding up the emergency vehicle, but the driver is specially trained and will be able to read the road conditions to know that what you are doing is correct. The emergency vehicle driver may also switch off the siren and lights to prevent intimidating or bullying you.

The Highway Code still applies

You must always obey the Highway Code and not break the law. Emergency vehicle drivers have special exemptions from some laws, such as driving on the wrong side of the road and speed limits, but they must never force other drivers into breaking the law.

This is a common cause of concern for drivers at a red traffic light or a yellow box junction, where they might receive a penalty notice for breaking the law while trying to allow an emergency vehicle through. If it is not safe or appropriate to make space for the emergency vehicle, don’t do it, but then make space as soon as you can.

Signal early, stop safely

As an emergency vehicle approaches you, also make sure you signal your intentions clearly and early so the emergency vehicle driver can respond accordingly. This also allows other traffic to react safely.

Never stop on the brow of a hill or the middle of a corner, and do not mount a kerb unless it is absolutely necessary because the road is too narrow otherwise. If you are at the junction of a side road and hear a siren, wait until you can see where the emergency vehicle is before deciding to pull out or not.

Don't do as they do

Often, emergency vehicles will be tra-velling more quickly than you expect, so wait for them to pass before pulling away.

When an emergency vehicle has passed you, make sure it’s safe to rejoin the road before pulling away. There may be another emergency vehicle following behind the first, so look and listen.

Never be tempted to follow an emergency vehicle as you could be at risk of speeding or driving dangerously. Failing to drive safely and courteously for an emergency vehicle can result in prosecution for obstructive driving.

Keep calm, don’t panic, drive safely and you’ll always be prepared for an emergency vehicle appearing on the same road as you.