Damionk
02-24-2011, 01:02 PM
When I see an emergency vehicle approaching me from either direction I will take a second to see where any intersections are. Including entrances to shopping centers or subdivisions. When coming to a stop I do what I can to try not to block those. I figure that if by some chance they have to turn in there it saves a few seconds by making sure they are clear. I don't think I have ever had them turn in that close to me, but I figure the extra hit to FE is worth not risking it.
My question is am I the only one that makes an extra effort to not block side roads and other entrances?
PaleMelanesian
02-24-2011, 01:19 PM
That's a good idea.
To my mind, the biggest thing you need to do is get out of the way. I see many people just stop where they are, even in the middle of the road. That can be worse than not stopping at all.
FSUspectra
02-24-2011, 01:20 PM
I do make that effort as well. As a driver/operator for my volunteer FD, I know the other side of the coin, and appreciate it greatly ;)
The worst thing one can do is to simply stop and not move over. I say if moving to the right is not possible at that moment, move very slowly and always make the effort to move to the right (unless the apparatus is in the right-most lane, then they are likely turning at some point).
Damionk
02-24-2011, 01:38 PM
The worst thing one can do is to simply stop and not move over. I say if moving to the right is not possible at that moment, move very slowly and always make the effort to move to the right (unless the apparatus is in the right-most lane, then they are likely turning at some point).
I have been known in the past to stop where I am when I don't notice them until they are close enough that I feel that any actions I take at that point may be unexpected and force the driver to change what he/she is doing suddenly. But, when that case arises I will make sure to either maintain what I am doing; as in no lane changes, or turning, or ease to a stop. Basically my rule of thumb has been stop when possible, but if i can't stop I maintain what I am doing (assuming of course they have a path around). I figure that if i stick with what I am doing it is easier to avoid a "stationary" object that one that is moving around to avoid you. Kind of like when you run into someone in the hallway and you both keep stepping into each others way.
FSUspectra
02-24-2011, 07:48 PM
Well, everyone just stopping in front of me really kills my glides! It's hard to hypermile while driving code 3! :p
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/medium/IMG_0397.JPG