How should you respond to an ambulance or police car approaching with sirens?

• A. Move to the left lane or curb and stop safely unless directed otherwise.
• B. Pull over to the right and stop in the middle of the road.
• C. Speed up to get out of the way.
• D. Stop only if the lights are flashing; otherwise continue.

Answer: (A)

When you hear sirens, the goal is to give emergency vehicles a clear path so they can reach their destination quickly and safely. On the Gold Coast, where drivers keep to the left, the safest and most effective action is to move to the left side of the road (the curb or into the left-hand lane) and stop, unless an officer or the vehicle directs you to do something else. This creates space for the responders to pass and reduces the risk of a collision.

After you’ve moved off the roadway and stopped, stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed or you’re given the all-clear. Don’t block intersections, don’t speed up to stay ahead of the sirens, and don’t resume driving until it’s safe to do so. If you’re in a situation where there’s no shoulder or clear left edge, pull as far to the left as possible and stop.