Police are supporting the release of a new short film to advise road users on how to safely move out of the way of emergency service vehicles on a ‘blue light’ run.
‘Blue Light Aware’ was launched on May 19 by the GEM Motoring Assist Road Safety Charity and can be viewed at www.bluelightaware.org.uk
This five-minute film is based on advice in the Highway Code and addresses specific situations that have been identified as causing confusion for motorists.
David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, who led the project, said: ‘Our research showed that the vast majority of road users want to help an emergency service driver. The difficulties come because it is not always clear what they are expected to do to provide the best help. As a result, too many members of the public are putting themselves in danger, breaking the law or risking damage to their cars while trying to assist an emergency vehicle on a blue light run.
‘The need for a new information video has been raised frequently in recent years. The Blue Light Aware resource, with the video at its core, has been developed to reduce confusion and doubt for motorists. We are pleased to be providing this information that we believe will act as a bridge of understanding between emergency service drivers and other motorists.
Nicholas Moon, Kent Police’s Driver Training Manager said: ‘Emergency service drivers make ‘blue light’ journeys because someone needs their urgent help. Road users, in turn, can help by giving emergency vehicles the room they need. By doing this they may well be helping to save a life.’
Funding for the project has been provided by GEM’s Road Safety Charity, Volvo and Drive Smarter. It has the backing of the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Chief Fire Officers Association, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, RoadSafe, the Motor Schools Association and the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
