Ambulance approaching from behind
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
You are driving in the left lane at 40 km/h when you notice the siren and red lights of an ambulance in your rearview mirror. It is a straight road, and the oncoming lane is also clear. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)The ambulance is going to run red lights anyway, so you go on ahead of it.
- (2)You pull over to the left and stop so that the ambulance can get by easily.
- (3)The ambulance might use the right lane, so you also move over into the right lane to get out of its way.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseThe ambulance is going to run red lights anyway, so you go on ahead of it.
- (2) ○ TrueYou pull over to the left and stop so that the ambulance can get by easily.
- (3) ✕ FalseThe ambulance might use the right lane, so you also move over into the right lane to get out of its way.
Explanation
You are required to yield to emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire engines, police cars) (Road Traffic Act, Art. 40). On ordinary roads, pull over to the left and stop, or slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 2, 5). Moving into the right lane may get in the ambulance's way.
Source: Road Traffic Act, Art. 40 (priority of emergency vehicles) / Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 2, 5 (responding to emergency vehicles)
