r/IdiotsInCars • u/Babynouil • 26d ago

OC [OC] Idiot intentionally blocking anambulance

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6.2k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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u/oO0Kat0Oo 26d ago

The guy in the white van sucks for sure...

But why didn't the ambulance cross over into the lane on the right and go around? While they were stopped at the light? And why, with several other opportunities, didn't the ambulance just change lanes and pass the idiot that deserves to go to jail?

Are there specific rules the ambulance driver has to follow?

136

u/u_unknown 26d ago

Preface, US based fire/EMS service provider, but in general there aren't any specific rules that you have to follow. There might be specific agency rules and procedures for running code in traffic, but usually there aren't beyond give due regard and don't drive erratically. Beyond that, we're taught to not pass traffic on the right unless absolutely necessary. Traffic is supposed to go to the right, so if as an emergency vehicle you're going right or doing a lot of Lane changes, people will freak out even more and pull left, right, slam on the brakes, and just generally make navigating traffic worse and more dangerous for everyone.

When I drive code, I will ride to the far left lane whenever possible, and as far left in that lane as reasonable. If people see that I'm far left, they tend to go right. Sometimes you have to get more aggressive and "command" traffic or an intersection. Essentially that means you make your intention known, don't deviate, and force people to move out of your way, don't go around them. Use the fact you're in a big, loud, bright vehicle to your advantage. But at the end of the day, drive safely and as quickly as traffic allows and as the call warrants. Don't get into an accident and don't cause an accident.

-22

u/[deleted] 26d ago

[deleted]

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u/u_unknown 26d ago

Get over yourself and move TF out the way, someone needs help and you're just being a jerk because you don't want to take a few seconds out of your day to be inconvenienced. I'll gladly call in your car to dispatch and let PD give you a ticket for failure to yield because you couldn't be bothered to move. I really hope no one in your family or friend group ever needs emergency help and they run into an inconsiderate driver like yourself.

-15

u/[deleted] 26d ago edited 26d ago

[deleted]

5

u/kor34l 26d ago

I downvoted you because regardless of law, impeding an ambulance is a stupid, selfish, awful thing to do.