Ambulance Close Pass

[martint235]

The driver should have waited until the cyclist was through the pinch point before overtaking.

The cyclist should have stopped at a safe place as soon as he realised there was an emergency vehicle approaching.

That's two "should"s already. I'm not saying that the ambulance driver isn't to blame for the close pass, I'm saying he's not solely to blame for the situation.

 

[loother]

Nobody on here ever makes mistakes obviously. Ambulance driver made a mistake, that mistake didn't have any consequences, he probably realised he had made a mistake the moment he went past. Give the guy a break FFS, like I said before he might just save your life some time in the future.

This is the sort of mistake that should never happen.

 

[User6179]

The cyclist should have stopped at a safe place as soon as he realised there was an emergency vehicle approaching.

That's two "should"s already. I'm not saying that the ambulance driver isn't to blame for the close pass, I'm saying he's not solely to blame for the situation.

But only one of them knew the other one was there , that's the point .

 

[loother]

The cyclist should have stopped at a safe place as soon as he realised there was an emergency vehicle approaching.

That's two "should"s already. I'm not saying that the ambulance driver isn't to blame for the close pass, I'm saying he's not solely to blame for the situation.

It is the drivers responsibility to ensure he/ she is satisfied that the rider is aware of the approach.

 

[martint235]

Just as an aside, I live on a main route from an ambulance station and it has been noticable over the last 5 years or so just how many road users couldn't give a stuff about emergency vehicles with or without sirens.

 

[martint235]

But only one of them knew the other one was there , that's the point .

How do you miss a fecking ambulance when checking over your shoulder??? They are designed to be seen. You do check over your shoulder?

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Nobody on here ever makes mistakes obviously. Ambulance driver made a mistake, that mistake didn't have any consequences, he probably realised he had made a mistake the moment he went past. Give the guy a break FFS, like I said before he might just save your life some time in the future.

Got a good friend who is a paramedic and sometimes drives her ambulance as well. Got to disagree. If anything I'd expect an ambulance crew to be more than aware of the potential such an overtake could of had for death or serious injury. They are not above the law, and don't expect to be either. Nobody would argue that they don't do a fantastic job, for pretty low pay and with pretty crap conditions, but that's no excuse to treat them differently...

 

[martint235]

It is the drivers responsibility to ensure he/ she is satisfied that the rider is aware of the approach.

Yes and that bit of the blame lies solely with the driver. The cyclist still has a responsibility not to put themselves in situation which may slow an emergency vehicle.

 

[loother]

Just as an aside, I live on a main route from an ambulance station and it has been noticable over the last 5 years or so just how many road users couldn't give a stuff about emergency vehicles with or without sirens.

Me too, I work very near. You could say I know your patch like the back of my hand. You're right about Joe public's apparent attitude.

 

[User6179]

How do you miss a fecking ambulance when checking over your shoulder??? They are designed to be seen. You do check over your shoulder?

The OP said he never saw the ambulance .

 

[ianrauk]

Yes and that bit of the blame lies solely with the driver. The cyclist still has a responsibility not to put themselves in situation which may slow an emergency vehicle.

The OP has admitted that his road positioning was not good and that he will be more aware in future.

 

[loother]

Yes and that bit of the blame lies solely with the driver. The cyclist still has a responsibility not to put themselves in situation which may slow an emergency vehicle.

I tend to treat other road users as "idiots" in that I always try to anticipate the unexpected as far as road positioning/behaviour.
I say this based on many years experience.

 

[benb]

Yes and that bit of the blame lies solely with the driver. The cyclist still has a responsibility not to put themselves in situation which may slow an emergency vehicle.

The OP didn't put themselves in any situation - they were just cycling along. It's not as if they saw the ambulance and then deliberately impeded it!

 

[Drago]

I agree, it was more than likely an unpleasant pass for the rider, he or she may have been alarmed bearing in mind the flashing lights, rush of wind noise and the size and speed of overtaking ambo.
I would have given the wailers a short "blip" and passed once I knew the rider was aware of my presence by sight. We must also remember that drivers of ambulances have roadcraft training and thus must be expected to be aware how our driving affects others, particularly the more vulnerable road users.
Drivers on "blue calls" are expected to use audible warnings when appropriate, as in this case.
Regards
Alan

I've grave doubts as to the efficacy of the driver training Ambo get. It's not even equivalent to dibble standard ticket, and dibble standard isn't all that.

 

[martint235]

[QUOTEbenb, post: 3362348, member: 10233"]The OP didn't put themselves in any situation - they were just cycling along. It's not as if they saw the ambulance and then deliberately impeded it![/QUOTE]
They didn't take action to get out of the way though. It's an emergency vehicle for crying out loud.

I give up. Cyclists are always right. All other road users are wrong. And cyclists' farts smell of roses