Why are warnings important?
Ambulances are often found in busy places and hazardous scenarios, so it is important that they stand out and members of the public are aware of their presence. In order to alert people to their presence, ambulances are fitted with audible warning systems and marked with visible warning signs and symbols. Ambulances are often found in busy places, along the side of roads and in built-up areas, so it is important people can see them.
In many countries, including the UK, ambulances are allowed to flout traditional road laws in order to reach patients as quickly as possible. The warning lights and sirens alert other drivers and encourage them to think about moving over to let the ambulance pass through the traffic smoothly.
Visual warnings
Most people recognise ambulances straight away because they are brightly coloured and have very obvious markings. In the UK, emergency ambulances are neon yellow and often have green markings and neon strips to make them very obvious. Ambulances are clearly marked with signs that say ‘AMBULANCE’ and these are usually located along the bonnet, along the sides of the vehicle and across the back of the van. Many ambulances have a chequered pattern to mark them out and all are fitted with flashing blue lights.
Ambulances are clearly marked with flashing lights and neon colours to enable people to see them coming from a long distance. Ambulances are often found in dangerous locations, such as on the hard shoulder on the motorway or at the side of roads, so it is important for other drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their presence to prevent further accidents. The blue flashing lights help to alert people that the ambulance is coming, along with the siren; the lights are particularly important at night and in fog, when visibility may be poor. If an ambulance is trying to weave through heavy traffic, the neon markings and flashing lights can warn other drivers of their presence and encourage them to move to the side to allow the ambulance to travel through the traffic.
Audible warnings
Ambulances are fitted with loud sirens, which are used to alert people that the ambulance is coming. The most common use of the siren is to alert other road users and encourage people to move over when the ambulance is passing through heavy traffic. The siren is also used in conjunction with the flashing blue lights.
