Sharing the road with bikes and emergency vehicles

Its not just drivers and pedestrians you have to think about on the road; what about other users like bike riders or emergency vehicles like ambulances?

Bikes and motorbikes

Riders of both bikes and motorbikes have just as much right to use the road as drivers, but with less protection they are much more likely to be injured in a crash.

Help keep riders safe by:

Being careful not to cut them off when you’re turning .
Not turning in front of them – wait for them to ride past.
Taking care when overtaking them.
Keeping a safe distance, with at least one metre clearance between the side of your vehicle and them when overtaking (slow down and don’t overtake until safe to do so).
Always checking your blind spots for riders.
Remembering cyclists may legally use the whole lane on roads with lane markings and they are allowed to ride side by side (two at a time).

Emergency vehicles

Emergency vehicle = every police or emergency vehicle (e.g. ambos, fire trucks) displaying a flashing red or blue light or sounding an alarm.

The first time you hear a siren approaching, don’t panic. Assess the situation and always make sure it’s safe before you change lanes, pull over or stop.

What to do:

Give way or do everything you can (safely and legally) to make a clear path for them.
Even if they are in a position usually give way to you – always give way.
Don’t break any road rules in the process – it’s not ok to run a red light or break the speed limit.
Slow down (but don’t brake suddenly). Use your indicators to let other drivers know which way you want to move.
In general, keep left. If you’re travelling on a multi-lane road, move to the left as soon as you safely can. Drivers already on the left should make room for vehicles trying to move left.
If you’re driving on a single-lane road, pull over on the road shoulder if you can. If not, stop and let the emergency vehicle move around you.
Whatever you do, don’t move in the way of the emergency vehicle.
Keep your cool and make a safe, clear path to help WA emergency teams get to the scene quickly.