Many drivers endanger road safety when an emergency vehicle approaches, according to fire chief Jiri Salmenoja from the Varsinais-Suomi rescue service.
Fire chief Jiri Salmenoja from the Varsinais-Suomi rescue service has highlighted issues concerning driver behavior when emergency vehicles approach. In 2022, officials recommended that drivers activate their hazard lights to signal awareness to approaching emergency personnel. While some drivers follow this guideline, the adherence is inconsistent, causing concerns in traffic safety.
Salmenoja noted that while some drivers activate their hazard lights, they often engage in unpredictable behaviors such as sudden braking or erratic maneuvers that can exacerbate dangerous situations. These actions can increase the risk of accidents, particularly if the drivers following them fail to anticipate these changes in behavior, leading to potential rear-end collisions.
To improve safety during such situations, Salmenoja urged drivers to remain calm and avoid abrupt actions once they have indicated their awareness of the emergency vehicle. By maintaining steady driving behavior and following traffic rules, drivers can contribute to the overall safety of the road and assist emergency services in responding effectively to situations requiring urgent attention.
