999 response - Stevenage to Ware - Double Whites

Uninterrupted blue light run to Ware from Stevenage looking at some of the decisions along the way and some context around Double Whites lines and exemptions we don't have and what can be done to help.

[@martijn5690]

the guy at 13:36 blinking with the lights What a legend

[@pocky1scot1]

Do you think the light flashing was genuinely good or are you being sarcastic? Hopefully the latter as the car could easily have pulled out from the right on Chris. The stopping was enough. You only flash to notify and that should be a very rare occurance. The flashing culture in this country is deadly.

[@martijn5690]

@@pocky1scot1 100% Geniunely good he saw chris from a distance and wanted to give him a way to be quicker since there was a car & Truck infront of Chris

[@Randoms620]

@@martijn5690 I understand the last comment but think it could be phrased better. Imo I would never flash a car as it can give a false hope of security, I'm sure the driver has enough knowledge to not take that as gospel however, normal road users could pose as a further danger when using the light if something else around them then happens. In this case, I think the flash didn't harm anything and potentially helped. The emergency worker obviously has a vast knowledge to still check his surroundings and not be lulled into security that there wouldn't be any oncoming danger.

[@philipeafroboy1]

@@Randoms620 think the flash is really an indication from the Range rover that he's not going to proceed. It's still up to the ambulance driver to decide if the route is clear but the flash made the decision easier for him

[@mrwriter86]

@@pocky1scot1 I agree with the flashing culture being an issue, but on this occasion this is an exception. It helped Chris to understand that the car was stopped. Chris was driving head on towards the car that faced him, and from that distance it’s not easy to tell if or how fast a car is moving directly towards you. Those flashes helped for quicker decision making, and being an advanced driver that Chris is, he has more skill and experience to know how to navigate that move. If Chris says it’s great on the video, then it is.

[@YelpBullhorn]

Great drive as always. And some great assistance from the good road users of Hertfordshire too. But it’s clear to see that too many motorists just don’t look in their mirrors. Their attentions are only ever grabbed by the sound of the siren. There were plentiful opportunities for some of these dopey individuals to pull over and let you past, but it seems they were blissfully unaware of your presence because - as you are trained to do so - you went silent. I followed my brother - a serving police officer, and a blue-light trained response driver - for twenty-five minutes on a 15 mile journey to our home town, where I waved at him and flashed my headlights repeatedly. He never saw me, because not once did he look in his mirrors! I was shocked and told him so when I met up with him soon after. He just shrugged his shoulders and giggled. Unbelievable! And as for the numerous double-white-line quandaries you faced on this call, I commend you for putting other road users’ safety first and foremost...... but as for the law: The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that all road markings must be clear and therefore safe for all road users to see. If an accident occurs because of someone’s failure to perceive worn out road markings then ultimately those whose responsibility it is to maintain those markings will be held responsible. There is not a court in the land who would prosecute a motorist for falling foul of the Highways authority’s shoddy professionalism. It’s the same with double yellows. Faded and broken double yellows are not legally binding, and are therefore just a mess. Thousands of parking tickets are thrown out every year because supposed violators have successfully demonstrated that the authorities have failed in their legally required duty to maintain such markings as set out in the said act.

[@monn3283]

God Bless ❤️💯🙏💯❤️

[@AnIdiotAboard_]

I like this you asking questions bit chris, maybe you could give tips when people answer. 8:28 what would i have done diffrently. Once i realised you was gonna catch us both at the same time, id have booted it (and exceeded the speed limmit if needed) to open the gap allowing you more time, and all id have to do after is lift of :) Done the above a few times over the years. Always feels strange dropping the emergency services, but i dont hold yall up and for all i know them 2 seconds could be critical

[@blueberrysavers3547]

5:41 but what if i need to turn right over a solid line?

[@jimmylomas15]

As a resident of Hertford I know this route well and that was edge of the seat viewing! Amazing driving skills. Thank you for serving Hertfordshire 🙏

[@vehicleswithjacob]

haha, same here!

[@LKNL13]

Me too!

[@fang_xianfu]

They need to have "how to be mindful of emergency services vehicles" on the driving test. I don't think they teach you anything except "get out of the way" but watching these videos definitely shows there's more helpful ways to do it!

[@nickolasreeks4743]

I have taught learners to make progress in areas of DWL's so as not to put ES vehicles at risk attempting an overtake where it is bendy. As soo as extended vision is there, signal left, slow and let them make OT. Everything is about driving plans..... Cracking drive. Enjoyed being 'shot gun'.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

My Instructor taught me to see and hear out for sirens or blues. Once i heard a siren he told me to track down where it was coming from and start looking for escape routes to let them passed. He said "When you hear sirens, what should be on your mind is where's it coming from?"

[@TheYBGOON]

On my driving test in London I had two ambulances with sirens come from behind about 2 mins apart. Both times I had cars behind me and when I pulled over they over took me. I got two minors on my test even though the examiner said I showed great awareness 😂.

[@gamerknown]

I was instructed to carry on driving and a friend got a major for where he pulled up to let an ambulance pass - not the most empathetic people

[@Paws4thot]

@@gamerknown In this context, I've been in a patient transport ambulance where the driver has performed deviations for emergency ambulances and for EMS running blues and twos. Guess who I think were wrong here (not you and your mate).

[@DashcamDundee]

I love that you have an intense workload but still have time to give a wave of thankyou. Incredibly professional, courteous and smooth - a true credit to your profession

[@aquanick2001]

Agreed, but did you notice that the only ones who get a thumb up or a wave are the ones who have been super observant and helpful in aiding his progres........oh and folks if you ever get a parp parp of the air horn from an emergency vehicle that's the driver saying "good job in assisting me to make progres".......:)

[@davelack553]

@DashcamDundee Agree - and your channel was great as well.

[@chrispop99]

I always learn something from watching, Chris. I didn't know how you had to treat double white lines, and this may affect my reactions to an emergency service vehicle in the future. Your videos could well be used by driving instructors as 'homework' for their pupils.

[@vomitcomet]

Just FYI - often emergency vehicles will choose to cross double whites anyway to perform overtakes, depending on their training level and the nature of their journey. If they're clearly trying to make progress give way at a safe spot as normal.

[@Randoms620]

Everybody should have to watch his videos as part of their driving lessons! Or more done if road users choose not to react efficiently to blue lights

[@mgcservices7524]

Really interesting, Chris. I can’t say I’ve ever had an emergency service vehicle slow behind me when against double whites!

[@wildeacademia5351]

i’ve just come across this channel and i’m in the early days of learning to drive! i’ve always been nervous about response vehicles, these videos help a tonne! gives me some idea of how to respond in a helpful way so i also agree that instructors should show their pupils these style videos😀

[@chrispop99]

@@wildeacademia5351 I passed my test in 1964, and still find these videos informative.

[@williamfence566]

I had visions of the car leaving asda at 13:42 would interpret the car flashing as " letting them out". Fortunately they saw and probably heard you coming. Enjoyed the overlap decision making as it helps others to be better prepared if they face the same situation.

[@martinbernasinski3905]

yes, i too was thinking that any flashing lights could be misinterpreted by a driver not wise to the blue lights.

[@charleymullins8236]

"Absolute legend" - I love it!

[@blehblah9309]

Had that on the M1 at night once when a new driver and indicating for lane 3. Assumed the flashing headlight was to let me pull out. When I saw the police officers in a car without blue lights on glaring at me on the way past after I moved to lane 2 I realised I should have interpreted the signal in its more formal manner.

[@catchcarpcarter]

Always great content Chris I've really learnt alot about driving and driving from your perspective regarding where I should be what's helpful and what's not. Keep up the awesome educational work mate

[@colinargent924]

Wish I could get out of Stevenage that quick :) Nice driving as ever. Thanks

[@fuzzblightyear145]

you and me both!

[@anto687]

What superb awarness by the Seat at 8:02, nice gradual stop and very clear telegraphing of their intentions. Excellent excellent work Seat!

[@TheWendable]

You and I would do that eh? I feel there was a lot of cars in front that just kept going, as soon as I see blue lights Im looking to indicate and stop, give the blue lighter the choice of lanes at the roundabout I wouldn’t just carry on presuming they’ll use the outer lane to over take me…you know what I mean? I swore at a few for being really slow to react/acknowledge the bluelighter. 😠 its ok I’m back in my cage now 😆

[@ondrejmrhac9687]

True, but it's Skoda Kodiaq :)

[@scottybbooyy]

8:30 - I would have done the same as you, however, as the drivers of the other vehicles, I would have continued forwards to give you space, instead of stopping and forcing you to slowly squeeze through the narrow space.

[@kemarferron1022]

I would have done the same. Held back on the brow of the hill since I'm not able to see any oncoming traffic then assess the space once I can see the lane ahead. I think it was just coincidental that all parties involved met at the points they did, leaving Chris with just enough room to move. Not sure how they could have reacted any sooner to have given him more room.

[@BurhBurhBurh]

I would have turned off sirens, maybe cars wouldn't have stopped.

[@mariepindstruplinde1671]

The few times I've had a blue light come from behind me, I have always been in doubt about what to do. I hope watching these videos helps me make better decisions next time.

[@andy0175]

Continue as you are to a safe space for them to pass, sometimes breaking as soon as you see them slows everybody down and impedes their progress...They are the trained, skilled driver, let them make the decision👍

[@MN-mc8ik]

@@andy0175 they got me 3 points once pushed me into yellow box

[@jayprince9046]

@@MN-mc8ik you can appeal this and explain what happened chances are it would be wrote off

[@Demun1649]

Not having a go at you personally, but the British driving instruction and testing is abysmal in the lack of emergency training. It should be a compulsorty part of the whole regime.

[@Demun1649]

@@MN-mc8ik Oh, diddums. The yellow box regulations apply at all times, and no emergency driiver will FORCE/PUSH you into the box. TYou did something else didn't you?

[@jamesrobertson1864]

I can't speak for cars, as I'm a Firefighter, but personally, with the two cars on the brow of the hill, I would have presented myself further onto the oncoming lane, encouraging the oncoming vehicle to stop earlier. But, you can't predict what people will do, and people see big red trucks earlier than they see little green cars so its not certain that would work in your case. You hardly lost time, no accident and journey continued, so you played it right I'd say. As always, great video! These were really, really helpful when I was doing my ERD last year.

[@Mike_5]

A real eye opener for sure here Chris for both members of the public and first responders on the Double White lines hopefully we can all learn from this and give that little extra bit of room to let the important response through

[@adz_b]

Love the skill, love the calmness, love the notes. Thanks for posting & for doing such an amazing job 👏🏻👏🏻👍😀🇬🇧

[@hgghgguk]

i dont think you could have done anything different for the 2 cars that just stopped next to each other on the hill if u stayed in they both would have stopped in the same place if u pulled out they both would have stopped in the same place i think the choice was already made for them before you even came around the corner

[@andy0175]

My thoughts too...Panic at a blue light and just stop!

[@middler5]

Oncoming car should drive as normal. But like you say, panic.

[@mydogeatspuke]

The amount of people who don't move over in the oncoming lane, or stop directly across from someone on the other side of the road, is astounding. It happens to regular drivers all the time, being forced to try and squeeze through an unnecessarily narrow space if you want to make any progress at all, but we aren't all rushing to save someone's life. I really don't get how so many people can be so utterly unaware of not only their surroundings, but also how their actions impact others.

[@charliestevenson1029]

Very interesting to watch, and surprisingly alert drivers. As a motorcyclist (not biker!) of 52 years, you realise how many drivers are totally oblivious to what's going on around them. I'm wondering if you know the road well, or would you use your satnav as an aid to the nature of the road - bends etc ?

[@duomaxwell2293]

what would you of done? I would have carried on driving for a few more seconds until I had passed the car on other side of the road and then pulled over to let you pass

[@Thesuperapp98]

for me as a german firefighter is quite interesting to see, that you’re not allowed to overtake at the double white lines. If we are driving to an emergency, no traffic rule applies for us at all. Of course the lines are there for a reason and I would not overtake there, even if i’m allowed to.

[@johnarat9618]

It's important to note that in the UK, you are not allowed to cross the stop line at a red light, unless waved on by a uniformed cop. In case traffic blocks all lanes at a red light, emergency services will kill sirens and blue lights, and wait the red light out.

[@karlosbricks2413]

@@johnarat9618 Tend to find that's not the case at all with Police, and trying to assume that has caught me out before. Seems to be true of Fire and Ambulance though.

[@michaelbibby6341]

So many decisions made, interactions with other road users, great driving, amazing level of calm and concentration. Then the video ends and you realise that all that skill and judgement was just the first part. Now comes the critical care part, could be an accident, a heart attack. I wonder how many calls like this make up a shift. Absolute legends.

[@scottybbooyy]

Question for Chris, or any emergency drivers.. 11:25 - Would you rather the driver pull into the hatchings, and you continue on the road as "normal", or for the driver to tuck left into the other lane, and you use the hatchings?

[@dubious6718]

Drivers are not allowed in the hatchings and risk getting a ticket or losing license. probably wont happen, but why take a chance.

[@hughraynor8670]

It's almost certainly safer for the slow moving, non-urgent vehicle to go into the hatched area filled with debris than that fast-mover, for whom picking up some tyre damage could be life-threatening.

[@scottybbooyy]

@@hughraynor8670 I thought that, but then I thought there's also the fact that the driver will more than likely be less skilled, so them pushing towards a live lane in the oncoming direction may not be the best of things?

[@bradgooner3284]

@@dubious6718 thats not true at all, you can drive in them if it is safe to do so.

[@hughraynor8670]

@@dubious6718 That's a broken hatched area. You're perfectly entitled to use it where neccessary.

[@thesausage351]

You’re very good at conserving the cars momentum. I notice you’re able to lift quite early for round abouts and roll through rather than rushing up, braking, and then powering on. A lot of drivers don’t understand sometimes less is more, and it’s much faster to lose less speed over a longer distance than to lose more speed and then re-accelerate. Some things you can’t teach, and a lot of fast driving is learned on a car by car basis. Very good driving.

[@davidkelly3705]

Glad to see some drivers are still on the ball for the emergency service

[@whimsical_ninja]

Neat, tidy and accurate - as my instructor would say (albeit rarely to me). Nice progress, nice flow, nice lines. Your approach to solid lines is very different to what I was taught. We would just kill the front blues at the first sight of the solids, as a general rule. Solids are usually there because vision is very poor round a bend. If someone realises who you are then you can always re-engage for the overtake briefly. But in general solids aren't usually there for very long and unless vision was good (unusual) I'd just kill the front blues and hold back. There were a few moments that felt like they could quickly get a little hairy. 08:12 is tricky because of the hill brow. I think I would have preferred staying offside for longer to encourage the oncomer to slow, you could always come back in again. 09:08 lovely bit of flow here. Just a general observation that there were a few moments you could have given your ears a rest for a few seconds (in fact one of the few times you turned off the two tones was as you came up to a zebra crossing with pedestrians looking to cross?) Overall, v nice

[@whimsical_ninja]

Oh and just one other thing, 10:38 vision is excellent, you had loads of time just to get the overtake done on the silver Jazz and then turn off tones after that

[@ObiWanCannabi]

14 mins, rookie numbers :P I once got from the A406 in london to Cambridge in 15 minutes with morning traffic (ok I was on a bike and young and reckless) you need to up your game fella. :P

[@JorjaMaddisson]

Did you have to take the last two videos down of you responding? If so when are you planning on being back Chris love watching your videos and Warren James. It helps me as a cyclist listen out for more vehicles when riding and what do you do in the morning When will you be back?

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

6:07 i like how you turned the sirens off to also stop other drivers panicking when they have nowhere to go. Otherwise they would end up mounting the kerb. It's being in an emergancy but respecting road laws and predicting how people would react.

[@mikedinni6318]

Where have all the videos gone?

[@captango]

Maybe there's a misconception from the public believing that when your lights and sirens are on you will progress and over take at every opportunity. Never thought about that so it's a good point to make and share, will know if future now.

[@paultaylor9652]

Absolutely brilliant video, but you must be a very calm driver to arrive at the scene then implement medical treatment.

[@sassythesasquatch1776]

something new i learned today that emergency vehicle sometimes cannot cross solid double lines and only if its safe or depends on emergency. thanks for that info

[@geoffcook1446]

I am Stateside now in Arizona, but grew up in Stevenage, so am very familiar with the A602. Watching your skills, and the reaction of other drivers, will make me a better driver in the future! Thanks for sharing!

[@AdamHinckley]

with the double white lines, suppose only ones can cross it is the police

[@TMM6944]

Excellent skills there and full respect to you, thank you for your service, additional respect to the majority of the drivers that were switched on with their situational awareness, (red car at the roundabout aside), the black car at 13:40 must have some blue light experience to read and assess the situation from that distance. Great vid thank you.

[@jeromeonmedica]

I use the roads on this video all the time. I am not only massively impressed with your driving skills, but I was also really pleased to see the excellent reactions from the public. Bravo to Chris and the public!

[@jeromeonmedica]

Just realised I didn't comment about the fact you can't cross solid white lines, even under blue lights etc (other than the times you mention). Seems crazy when your arrival at whatever you are heading to is almost always time critical.

[@Ratseem]

Great video and amazing driving skills. The 602 between Stevenage and Ware, used to be my "twice a day" commute. I was always nervous as to what would happen if an emergency vehicle on blue lights was behind me as a lot of the stretch has no places to pull over. After seeing this I would be far more confident to let the "expert" take the decisions.

[@Certiwhipps]

Why I can’t I drive like That I’ll smoke all u man one handed

[@ollybell106]

Great video as always Chris! Just wanted your opinion on something, I drive a 13.5t truck with beacons on, we don't drive with them on constantly so if I hear/see a blue light responder would you find It useful as the driver to see the beacons come on? Would it give you a good indication that I've seen you coming? Cheers

[@L-8]

Genuine question: Why turn off the siren at 13:52?

[@anthonykinney28]

Good to see a new driving video.

[@sunnysimulator96]

8:18 I'm thinking the car in the front of your car mission should accel more the pedal and try to make you a better way to go in instead of stopping and going to left. It should be a rule if you are in his back and you are in mission and you want a way to go trough you should only do flashes instead of claxon's. I think It's impossible to not see in your left and right mirros a flashy switchy light like. For example for cops should have extra kit for car (other color instead of normal light car color) when you do the long phase flash as (cop) to understand the singals the cop want you to make to help him going safe and faster. Thx! Great video! I hope my ideea can be real one day? :) What you think? you need more information to send to the driver and the specific lights flashing trough his mirros can be more usefull sometime. @ChrisMartinEMS purple color can be nice to see while you driving legally to see a purple/green light flashing trough to mirrors can be cool wow

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Excellent high speed driving skills. Super fast descision making. Love seeing so many people being compliant. I bet its not always like that.

[@formicapple2]

Don’t think I’d survive the stress of all that driving. Good job. Thanks

[@bradbeilby]

love the content Chris, 10:22 I was always taught never be the meat in a sandwich, this was from advanced driver (ex police) and it always made sense to me. I'm conflicted here however, as I'm not sure if holding back until that Kia has passed is actually the right thing to do. Is it more of a risk to slow down opposed to maintaining progress. Interested to know your thoughts :)

[@Rroff2]

I think the camera somewhat distorts the space he was working with - I find with my own dashcam footage it doesn't always accurately represent it, plus you have the deflection from the white car but at the same time I don't think personally I'd have been very comfortable with the situation.

[@markdee3506]

Looks like the oncoming car didn't see till the last moment when they swerved, I'd be hesitant to take that gap, you never know when someone is looking at their phone or something and drifting across their lane, could have had the gap close on him even though the car in front was moving over. Don't think he'd have been able to break in time, so rear end or head on collision could have been possible. Might have been a much bigger gap though with just the camera giving the illusion of it being very tight.

[@kemarferron1022]

I'm in agreement that Chris braking might have caused more problems that good in this case. He already had a good amount of momentum coming down hill and had already taken his driving line down toward the white car. I accept that it could have been a serious issue if the Kia didn't deflect for whatever reason but I'm glad it did. Close but the better decision here, I believe.

[@bradbeilby]

Yeah it's a hard one, I think you hit the point I was getting at there, sometimes breaking hard can be more dangerous that keeping momentum. Especially in Chris's videos we see time and time again people slam on in panic when they see the blue lights. I'd have most likely continued to progress too, but camera wide angle lens and things can give a distorted view

[@cp4512]

Nice to watch your safe and swift driving. Also nice to see good driving from the other road users too; restores your faith after all the dashcam videos on KZbin! 😉

[@andrewstorm8240]

14:20 walked into that traffic

[@prettywomankitche]

5:35 I thought he was gonna crash here

[@damian2159]

8:30 probably it would have been ideal if both of the drivers there had kept going rather than stopping - I think, you would have gotten through a little more smoothly then instead of needing to slow down a lot. Might have been hard for them to judge in that very moment, though.

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

How far away is this call?

[@TerreusGaming]

I find it crazy that you're not allowed to overtake on double white lines during an emergency.

[@nickbates7645]

Is the double white line thing true for all blue light drivers, or do different people have different exemptions?

[@GroseyCoinHunts]

The only authority who can instruct you to do something illegal is the police (eg Go in a bus lane or pass a red light) so theoretically only the police can exempt themselves, not fire or ambulance.

[@Haflafbaf]

Police can cross them but also depends on force policy.

[@andy0175]

It's the same for all emergency services!

[@findthebadger418]

@@Haflafbaf yeah. No. That’s wrong. It’s the same across the board. No difference for anyone.

[@aquanick2001]

@@Haflafbaf The Police might like to THINK that is the case, and they will try and bully you into making you break the law.......but emergency services exemption is exactly that, it doesn't matter which variety of emergency vehicle you are, the same rules apply.

[@eleycki]

So the highway code applies to double white lines, but not to speed! Seems odd as it slows you down when you could make better personal judgement. Great video.

[@Kashaan_dh]

Nice video!! also i think im first

[@high1voltage1rules]

Your welcome Chris. Always a pleasure watching you drive with care and attention. Very good driving and very relaxed. 💯👍 God bless you Chris. Putting your life in your hands literally every time you get in that vehicle. Dangerous hazardous roads mate. You should get danger money for this as our roads get worse every year with more drivers not paying attention and in such a rush just to get ahead of the selfs by one car. Absolutely insane. My dash cam hash saved my bacon twice in 11 months due to no care and attention. No looking or signal twice been hit and car unsafe to drive. Wonderful. So each driver made out I was to blame and my camera doesn’t lie. . And I’m now in my second situation without a car waiting for a garage to do the work needed. motor network dealing with my vehicle garage is so over run with a shortage of garages. Absolutely crazy. And I refused a poorly maintained courtesy car 🤦🏻 So I honestly take my hat off to you and the rest of the Nhs doctors who drive out there. 👍👍👍👍👍THUMBS UP👍👍👍👍👍 Anthony, derby, uk

[@DaleHD]

Awesome driving Chris, keep up the great work!

[@poppylane1]

So much to learn from this, well done to the one's whom look well ahead on the road

[@druidswillow1052]

Just like to say excellent driving/professionalism & as someone who's been blue-lighted to hospital in the last 2 weeks Thank You for your service to the UK public you're a star Best Wishes Jim, Surrey👍

[@Rollin-Rant]

Good driving as always, just the driving would stress me out let alone the extra work that you have to do, what cc is the engine in your vehicle, it sounds really nice, good video as always 👍

[@dalmo001]

13:20 Whilst i know the ideal is to uphold the law, how tempting was it to go right of the bollard at the mini roundabout, or better yet, given you had to cut back in front of the car you just overtook to make the roundabout on the correct side of the road, how much safer would it have been going on the right knowing the approaching car had stopped? Or would this manouvre not be applicable?

[@adam_b1187]

If claiming exemptions to drive under emergency conditions, you can go around a keep left bollard, you would need to move back to the left and go around the roundabout correctly afterwards though.

[@kemarferron1022]

@@adam_b1187 Oh, is that how it works in Europe? You're not allowed to drive straight over the mini roundabout in this case? It doesn't appear to be raised or so to cause a bumpy ride.

[@krisbreach4376]

Really great driving, this kind of thing is really important for people to understand. I didn't know about the double solid white lines for emergency vehicles, so iv learned something. Not sure about the range rover flashing you to go to the other side of the traffic island, mainly because of the car at the junction. If they weren't paying attention they could have assumed the range rover was flashing them to pull out. I get that it helps you but if I was in the range rovers position I wouldn't have flashed you through.

[@Abi-bi6cb]

2:30 seems counter-productive to have a protected left-turn, to only then need to merge with the next lane

[@ianspaintpot]

did you know that when on blues and twos emergancy vehicles are granted certain exemptions to the law they are disobey the speed limit,hatchings, markings, islands,roundabouts red lights, 1 way streets and more. so why do you allways talk about the speed limit. just a question

[@leonblittle226]

8:14 Your decision was correct , but the cars over reacted (R-Rover esp) when maintaining the momentum would of been better to aid progress. It's a no win situation where progress is concerned - but no collision so it's a win. Professionalism and forward planning from the lorry drivers is clear to see.

[@jhareng]

Made what should have been common sense thing to do and carry on seeing other car slowing needlessly, both pitch it the worst possible place.

[@svenwaibel7007]

Difficult to drive on these roads, especially when the other drivers break too hart. Sometimes it would be nicer they would be breaking more gently. Is it an issue with double white lines? In Germany it's all about see the traffic and being seen, so there is no matter if there are double whites (they're not exist in Germany, it's a just a solid line).

[@alexday5892]

I used to live in Ware and work St. Evenage so it was fun to see this route again after at least 10 years. In answer to your question What would you have done ? Backing off is always the right answer. That road has been changed over the recent years and so even the locals are readjusting to new layouts. The entrance to Heathmount which sits halfway up that hill used to cause so many tailbacks in the morning. Your driving is impeccable as always. Keep up the great work Chris. Expat living in Sydney 🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@ab-nb5xg]

@Chris Martin EMS I think one day you should do and upload a sponsored lap of the nurbergring in a bluelit car for an NHS charity, you deserve a day off and a chance to let rip somewhere there aren't double whites lmao

[@timderks5960]

In the Netherlands we get taught (or I was taught by a Dutch EMS driver) to NEVER stop, unless you can do so without hindering the EMS vehicle. So if it's directly behind you, just keep driving, they'll find their own space to pass you. Obviously, move over as much as you can and make space when available, but don't stop. Stopping while you're still almost completely in the road (8:20) only slows EMS vehicles down. Also, these double white line rules must be infuriating sometimes. These rules feel very outdated. It's almost like they don't trust the EMS drivers to make the right call themselves. 13:44 I think this being the first time I hear you speak speaks to how well this driver did.

[@aranw123]

Amazing video, gives a great insight into what it’s like to be an ambulance driver.

[@AM2K2]

I've seen some channels say that you should never flash your lights and I agree that it is probably overused when just car position tells the story but that seemed like a good use of the lights

[@Species1571]

I think even Ashley would probably agree in this situation where you need to make it absolutely clear you are giving way and there is precious little time to analyse what the oncoming driver was planning.

[@Horizon301.]

They say you should never yet everyone does anyway. Without it, you would be worse off all the more in my opinion.

[@hermann8307]

Hi there Chris, Im an EMT in Germany and am responding alone to calls, sometimes with our "Blaulicht" on. Because we are driving a Ford Transit Connect, we do not have any power in our Diesel engine. Would you say, that enginepower is relevant for security while responding to calls? I will bring this up on our next team meeting. I had several situations where the car performed underwhelmingly bad. For the next purchase Ill recommend my employer to buy a different model for sure. Please excuse my bad English.

[@deathbysnusnu515]

I've always thought it must be so strange to drive home after a shift doing this in your own vehicle wondering why people are getting in your way.

[@QuentinStephens]

What to do at the brow of that hill? Obviously I engage the nitro boost to jump over both of the cars in front, Dukes of Hazzard style! Some of those road markings were truly shocking: I hope the relevant highways authority (Hertfordshire County Council?) takes action PDQ.

[@Seansmit23]

So, Can go down the wrong side of a junction, past red lights etc but double whites you cant overtake on? Seriously? what the hell is that about. Surly if its safe to overtake it would be allowed for an EMERGENCY VEHICLE???!!!

[@phillmaf7319]

Sht man what r u doin? Your making me want to be a traffic car bizzie! Half my freinds and family would kill me if I joined up ,but there's lots of benefits,like most of them not talking to me coz I'd technically be a grass. Professional driving in a dangerous environment. Good to see some motorists were awake and helped you. High point of professionalism........going slow over the pedestrian crossing near the end. Low point.......not seeing you get out and say " book him Danno !" Or smash some creep up. Wonder wether Colin McRae would have driven better with a nice woman navigator. Nice to see your looking after tax payers vehicles and not driving like a squaddy wrecking a tax payers land rover on Salisbury plain. Very impressed. Get a motorbike and you could drive like this on your way home after a sht shift. Respect......have you thought of becoming a deliveroo guy? You'd smash it.

[@Choober65]

I NEVER listen to the radio when in built up areas. I like to hear what is going on around me, and of course MIRRORS at least every 10 seconds or more often. BTW, when you approach roundabouts, I was taught you can use the right lane (exit lane) then turn or go the wrong way round if clear or have things changed?

[@tom-fp2fv]

Do all of this amazing but clearly challenging drive and still have to do the harder part of potentially saving someone’s life. Amazing. As a truck driver myself, a pet peeve of mine is stopping in best position to allow emergency vehicles to pass and you get a car coming the other way who stops level with you 🤦‍♂️ essentially blocking the road. Also you’re having to really work that car to get any decent progression. Shame you folks can’t have something like a 330d bmw etc easier on you and the car. Great job and thanks

[@tomctutor]

Dropped in as per Ashley Neal; as much of a good and experienced driver I think I am, (two no injuries major incidents in 40 years) I don't think I could have driven like that, at that speed and not crashed. Just phenomenal professionalism. 🚑

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

When you hung back over the brow of the hill because of oncoming traffic, the guy in front of you really should have kept going instead of both of them slowing down and inadverdently creating a bottle-neck... if he kept going, you could have carried your speed and overtook faster... But I understand some people panic and freeze... the guy slowing to 10mph while you were on double whites was a panicker too... I think there are definitely times when continuing on apace (but not speeding) to a slightly wider gap whilst signalling early for you is the right thing to do... instead of just standing on the brakes as soon as they see you in the mirror.... just my 2c.... 🤔

[@simonbertioli4696]

About 9:38 in, was not that impressed...overtaking 2 cars and an on coming artic..with cars behind...the artic..blind spot The lorry slows down.... Cars behind not reall seeing what is happening up ahead. One could easily pulled out and hit the police car..carnage. The officer driving should have just held back 2..3 seconds max, to give a clearer picture ahead.. That's what we would have done. The rest is ok...good clean driving..

[@79peckham43]

@8:13.. Once I was driving along a country lane and after rounding a bend I saw a car followed by an ambulance coming the opposite direction, around 150m up the road. The car was travelling quickly so I concluded it hadn't noticed the ambulance, and therefore that the best thing to do, so as not to be an obstruction, was to continue to progress quickly past them both, as it would have been impossible for the driver to overtake safely. However, the car must have suddenly noticed the ambulance and braked, and as I approached them, the Ambulance moved out and straddled the lanes. I had to brake hard as the road was now obstructed, just about managing to come to a standstill with a small but passable gap between me and the other car. The reduced space resulted in awkward, slow manoeuvre for the ambulance driver who kindly shook his head at me. Had that driver taken the same decision as you, he'd have progressed more quickly, safely, and there would have been no need for the passive aggressive gesturing.

[@harlingthetrucker9971]

Really helpful video. I hope that by watching these videos I have become much better at responding as an HGV driver. I do not think HGV drivers get enough coaching on the best response to EV.

[@stuartday1876]

I know these particular roads very well. A great piece of driving; making good progress and knowing when to back off and when to gun it. Measured and respectful driving, text book stuff. Incredibly British, still saying thanks, even when nobody wants or expects to be thanked😂

[@ominouspenguin]

8:15 - There's no accounting for other drivers making bad decisions. Both cars should have either stopped earlier or not slowed until past eachother. I wonder if the hesitance of the 4x4 driver (note how they stopped gradually and didn't pull in much) was due to them expecting the Corsa to continue on. Perhaps if you had pulled into the oncoming lane to signal your intent to overtake, the 4x4 would have stopped more decisively (faced with you coming at them head-on) and the Corsa would likely have stopped as well, leaving a larger gap. Obviously you'd have been prepared to slow/pull back left if that didn't work out. I suppose the core issue is what can you do to making the decision for the other drivers easier/remove uncertainty as to what you want them to do?

[@honeybadger3902]

Watched every second. Never crossed my mind regarding the double whites with blues but definitely something I'll keep in mind going forward.

[@Badger-w8u]

On the subject of solid white lines , I am staggered of the amount of drivers , particularly motor cycles that over take on solids when doing 30mph - totally illegal crossing the unbroken lines .

[@Hotoadle]

Brow of the hill... Silver cottons on a bit late! Nice chicane there for you to power round. For us mere mortals, we should be slowing down and stopping in a safe place ASAP, I think black moved further off the carriageway than they intended to help out the situation but they did risk the uncertainty of that verge. Given they saw you coming in behind they could have stayed on the carriageway and continued past Silver. Yes, it's dead ground (just!) but if the plan is to drop behind black why not do that initially from a position of strength, see if Silver reacts sooner and then it's game on again?

[@user-tb2jy9lu3d]

I would want this guy to be my driver if I needed an ambulance. Some of our ambulances here in the USA are slow as hell even when they're on a straight city road with no traffic. Plus a lot of citizens here will not move out of the way for even police cars...that's an issue that we have a lot of problems with. They need to start giving out $1,000 tickets based on tag numbers from video footage. It sure would turn a profit for fire trucks, police and ambulances.

[@thomaswillis7491]

I have avoided commenting on your videos until now. The driving standard you demonstrate in your videos is often poor, and this video is no exception. After very clearly stating the legal requirements for rule 129… you continued to break the law by overtaking across numerous double solid white lines when both unsafe and not permissible. The vehicles you passed were not road maintenance vehicles, pedal cycles or horses, so you could not have passed them even if they were travelling at less than 10mph (which I don’t believe they were). Rushing into hazards like this either means you didn’t know the rules at the time of filming, had blatant disregard for legislation & safety or your confidence overshadows your ability to drive. As an instructor and assessor, I would be disappointed in the standard of drive in this video. Had this been an assessment, you would have been unsuccessful.

[@Tyriama]

Great video as always. The double whites being such a rigid and strict limit was quite interesting. Given the amount of solid lines we have in our area it would definitely limit our options if we were restricted as much as you are here as the solids can go on for a long while. Normal rules of showing extreme care and attention do apply, but slightly less rigid here with us in Norway. For the crest of the hill incident, I have the same issues as you do with a fairly low vehicle. I expect I would have discovered the vehicle as early as you did in the clip, I would have fallen back early and waited for a clear and positive gap. Given the fact you had a car in front, the car facing you might be distracted with him and figuring out your siren, and you might not get you the space you need if you decide to run the gap, as evident with the two cars coming to a stop almost at the same spot.

[@Simontookie24]

So annoyed their getting rid of the Skodas, but alas they have stopped making this model. I'm bank now, and predominantly only take RRV Shifts, always nice to see how others drive

[@ericcox8252]

Pity you can't show your speed when approaching, negotiating hazards such as junctions, traffic lights, roundabouts etc.

[@jamesfoote8916]

Trying to observe an advanced driver on KZbin is quite impossible you really need to be in the passenger seat. The only one I can see to dock a point is 9 minutes in when you over take and the red car coming towards you was not as far left almost like he had not rally seen you but as I have said in the driver seat that may of looked totally different. The Range Rover stopping well that is blue and twos for you. When I trained first responders or young police officers they alway new what people where going to do but blue lights people can react in very odd ways and so many don’t know you can not overtake on white line. I would class that drive as excellent, well observed, great hazard management and safety line always dealt in the best possible way. Many a limit point chased and most important you arrived safe and no one was hurt. Well done James

[@handcrafted30]

Brow of hill, what would you have done different? Max power, use the lip, jump the Land Rover. Easy.

[@TimmyTonk]

I have posted comments before asking simple questions, obviously not wanting to assume, and got a lot of weird snide comments. But I do enjoy your driving and the commentary you provide, makes me look at my own driving and see what I can do better. Do you instruct the blue light training or is this used to keep yourself green?

[@andrewrose6536]

I pity any emergency service driving around there, I patrol most nights, drivers havnt a clue which lane to be in, approaching a round about people in the left lane going all the way around, 4 exits past till there exit, bulbs fitted incorrectly, junction 8 A1 is just a free-for-all,

[@robabob1001]

It shows how advanced a driver you are that you can, process the details of the callout, information of driving that fast and doing so safely and still thank other drivers. Like putting your thumb up to thank the van driver on the roundabout while driving between two cars/lorry then immediately hitting the double swerve to go around the roundabout, with your thumb up to thank the driver. In 3 seconds.