Heavy on the brakes - 999 response

[@boohaka]

I’ve been watching you for a while and last week needed blue lights myself as I had a stroke. Paramedics were unbelievably professional, so caring, reassuring and quick! I had a lot of respect for you guys before and now even more! The whole of the NHS is superb, everyone works so hard.

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Sorry to hear about your stroke but really nice to hear the positive feedback and interactions you had with the crews. So proud of our NHS family.

[@Heneling]

@@ChrisMartinEMS does your car have ‘ambulance’ markings? It looks like the bmw was trying to block you, perhaps he thought you were police? Thanks for a great video!

[@matthewyoung917]

​@Heneling I believe its an unmarked vehicle that he is given to use as a personal vehicle as well as a response car. I always wondered why the unmarked

[@Heneling]

@@matthewyoung917 ok, people blocking police cars is unfortunately a thing and if it’s unmarked then the assumption is that it’s a police car.

[@K3V0M]

@@Heneling You can see the car in the previous upload. It's just a black Skoda station wagon with blue lights.

[@gblargg]

1:37 Good example of turning off the sirens to not stress people out any more during the tight maneuver. Everyone was doing all they could at the moment.

[@fp6343]

The UK is the only country that I know of where it is illegal for the cars in front of an emergency vehicle to go through the red light. So in the UK it makes sense to switch the sirens off since the cars are not allowed to let him go anyway. In this case he was lucky as the car could go left and he could continue. I don't really understand the logic though. Why is it OK to drive on the pavement but not to drive through an empty pedestrian crossing. When I was learning to drive (not in the UK), the instructor told us: when emergency vehicle comes, you do whatever it takes to get out of the way as long as you can do it safely.

[@Roshy1]

@@fp6343 you can still go through the red light, but they don't want to pressure you into it and cause another anccident

[@madgardener5820]

​@@Roshy1It's a requirement to turn them off in these instances for that very reason.

[@madgardener5820]

​@@fp6343Safe to do so doesn't mean driving up onto a pavement. Drivers are not expected to drive onto pavements or bump up kerbs or go through red lights. Just stop or slow down when it's safe, they get cross when drivers can't stop safely even though the siren and blue lights may sound and look angry. Just drive safely, be aware of your surroundings and stop if you can. In by far the majority of cases they can get through because they've been trained to.

[@markwright3161]

@@fp6343 Drivers in the UK aren't supposed to mount footpaths either, they possibly did that as there's less chance of being ticketed for it vs running a red light (which could have a camera specifically for that, although not as likely on a pedestrian crossing). Drivers here are also not supposed to enter bus lanes or cycle lanes, cross solid white lines, pull into the hard shoulder, etc either. I think the European way is better. Exemptions for mounting kerbs, crossing the line at red lights, etc when clearing the path of an emergency vehicle, when safe obviously (a driver can be done with 'driving without due care..' if they endanger anyone while doing that), as well as the 'emergency corridor' for all dual carriageways, that really needs to be mandatory.

[@quadtraxxx]

That looked like one of the most ‘knarly’ tricky drives you’ve posted, you made good progress regardless, and that BMW that was pulling onto the offside as you approached - impressive to see/hear your absolute focus in that moment was safety. Very impressed.

[@Patrick17-]

gnarly*

[@nabil200131]

Watching this I was hit by the thought that not only you have to go through this tremendous driving but on reaching your destination you have to provide critical care. How do you deal with the rush of adrenaline afterwards???

[@NickF14]

Sleepless nights! After a while it becomes somewhat the "norm" but a proper job will always give you that buzz.

[@jazzhands7771]

Take your tongue out of his hole, fella...😂😂😂

[@iamadamowen]

What's even better is you arrive at an incident. Everyone who you overtook, now overtake you stopping you from getting out the driver's door! I don't think there's enough recognition for the stress emergency driving outs someone through in addition, as you say, to the incident being attended. To add to that there's an expectation to just move on and do it all again. Even if the incident turns out to be less serious than first thought, the anticipation is always there.

[@paulmeynell8866]

What was that car driver thinking! Unless they come from a country where they drive on the right.

[@NickF14]

@Shnayblay Possibly. Daily / weekly exposure to incidents and scenes which other people may not experience in their lifetime is taxing. We’re not designed to deal with repeated trauma, as humans and eventually it creeps up on you!

[@shaan814]

Really difficult drive especially dealing with the BMW driver. I'm always in awe of your skill and the amount of focus to get to a critical incident without causing one yourself. I can't imagine how difficult it must be but as someone who works in the NHS it's great to see the front end of the realities of providing urgent care where needed. Keep up the amazing work and posting your incredible videos

[@legass420]

This is completely unrelated, but the limousine and the hearse passed at 5:16 are Australian-built ford falcons. The first limo passed however was a ford mondeo. Got a bit confused seeing australian cars in the UK, so I looked into it and apparently there's a company in the UK using ford falcons as Hearses. No clue why they'd go to all the effort of importing them but anyway, was interesting seeing that. As for the BMW driver, they need to have a stern talking-to about how to react to an emergency vehicle!

[@steve5772]

The funeral cars are normally made by Colman Milne. They used the AU Falcons because they are a bigger platform and have larger engines than the Mondeo, so can be made to handle the weight better. Also, you guys driving on the correct side of the road is a factor. We don't get a lot of big saloon cars here in the UK (SUV's are more popular), and Ford were one of the few manufacturers who were OK about honouring the warranty on a car that had been chopped in half. A lot of the new hearses they're building at the moment are Mustang Mach E based.

[@KnugenMooMoo]

Hubnut has a AU Falcon he from UK

[@lawrenceholden5716]

​@@steve5772That'd be cool, taking your last trip in a Mustang! Brill if could get a driver like this too.

[@CharlesDankman]

I don't know how you do it Chris, you remain so calm under driving it's inspirational, despite the idiots on the road but that's to be expected, thanks for sharing a part of your life with us

[@jazzhands7771]

Stay YOU off the road

[@SquadronPMGaming]

Incredible precision throughout & having to deal with the indecisive BMW driver ! Great to see certain drivers aware of your presence + signalling early to show their intent making your journey easier. It would be great if drivers that weren't so aware to receive advisory letters, more road users would then lower emergency response times 🚨🚑

[@26sd135]

I saw the speed camera flash, Great driving Chris and thank you for the superb job you do providing critical care.

[@Ethan-bj6el]

When was this? Must have missed that bit, wonder how easy it is to sort tickets out.

[@Flame42779]

@@Ethan-bj6el Watch the top right camera from 06:15

[@26sd135]

@@Flame42779 Is anything going to an emergency with blue lights exempt from any speeding tickets caught by speed cameras i wonder.

[@Rhys_Official]

@@26sd135 From as far as I know yes, emergency vehicles going to an incident are exempt from speed cameras. Although when not going to an incident they are not longer except. The newer style of camera's (one in video is old version) they look for a steady blue light, and if present, the speed camera wont trigger, from what I've seen

[@georgeberryADI]

@@26sd135 blue lights responding have an exemption to posted speed limits, however, the driver is always responsible for any decision and the risk management of the drive. There should be a constant blue light on at the rear of the vehicle to indicate the vehicle is on response and the camera admin in the police office will recognise the car is responding. However, each NHS trust will follow guidelines about how much a speed limit is exceeded, and if the driver is going above the guidelines issued, the trust may take action against the response driver.

[@TMCNJ]

Proper booking it on this one! Very impressive drive, Chris. Respect for covering that BMWs identity, have to say that was worse than that van that cut you up on that country lane

[@blisseyran-dom6822]

As per usual, another example of absolutely remarkable driving from yourself, Chris. I have no idea how you manage it, but it is truly incredible to watch you do so.

[@sockrteez]

Wait a minute... You watch Chris Martin too!?

[@blisseyran-dom6822]

Oh hello,@@sockrteez . Fancy seeing you here. Indeed I do!

[@JuanAlvarezVideos]

2:14 For a moment I thought maybe this was someone who doesn't usually drive on the left, and his instinct betrayed him. But the fact that there was traffic in the opposite direction should have made him reason.

[@DashCamGenovaNCC]

Yeah probably he wasn’t from the UK. Not even an old person does that.

[@tea2thebagel58]

A quality quote from Chris after having to brake hard in a previous video. "Brakes work" Wish I could be as skilful, calm and collected as yourself. Another great video!

[@YoungTruckerUK]

Chris, my partner has CF, diagnosed since birth. I had no idea your son also has been diagnosed recently. A lot of your drives are in and around Stevenage too, which is where we live! Of course CFers and their families shouldn't meet - But if you ever feel like reaching out to me via the internet, please do - In fact, it would certainly be helpful to me as I struggle with feeling like I'm stuck in a world with no one to talk to. All the best Chris. Donated to your cause

[@szabolcsmate5254]

So many good eggs it strikes me watchig this. Good response form motorists. Nice to see.

[@nero5379_]

Out of most of your videos chris you've always made your way to the call in a safe Manor sometimes with learning lessons cause we all learn new things daily. This video though I can almost feel the urgency of this call even though all 999 blue light calls are urgent for some reason I jist find in this video you are still on point and get to the job safely to start your actually job so I commend you Chris for doing your job and all the team that backs you and all the other emergency worker staff

[@markg7348]

I love watching these videos I find it quite relaxing in a weird way. Great job 👍

[@TS112Video]

Oh my god. Forever amazed at what goes through peoples heads...

[@Ed-ws1xe]

2:14 what the hell were they thinking??? Another great video Chris!

[@YelpBullhorn]

Only one doughnut on this run I see. And you are too much of a gentleman to expose them! Idiots like this need fining heavily, never mind exposing! And that Skoda looks a bit nippier than your last car! Great drive 👍

[@OnlyStevie95]

That car at 2:13 - WTAF

[@TerreusGaming]

The BMW behaviour looked very malicious - looked like intentional blocking

[@dubious6718]

Its the type of person that is hogging the right lane. I don't think it was intentional to block.

[@The18107j]

It's very easy to panic under stress and make a bad decision. It's possible they thought moving to the right would allow for space to pass on the left.

[@TerreusGaming]

@@jav.611 yeah, that's fair too

[@paull7725]

I think it was down to good intentions to let the emergency vehicle through on the left lane, he just forgot he needed to a safe manoeuvre to do so. Chris did well to back off and show him that it was his job to take these risks as he’s got the blue lights, the siren and the training.

[@SheepyCTF]

It's not the first video from Chris that shows someone doing that at that exact same spot. Clearly something makes some drivers think that's the best idea.@@The18107j

[@chrisclark8999]

Videos are amazing - relaxing, almost. But I always wonder, with the distances you seem to drive are you really the nearest doctor to that patient?? Hope they weren't having a heart attack?!?!

[@LORDwilliamsDJ]

love the sound on that engine. like mouth watering

[@SinkyYT]

You should report the BMW to your local police. He could do with either a re-test or sent on an advance driving course.

[@mnieh9869]

whoever drove that BMW doesn't need an advanced driving course. They need a very, very basic one.

[@SpectreAdam]

The absolute mong should've just slowed down, not carried on going. Why would they try go over into the other lane? Mentalist. The terrible logic in our drivers never ceases to amaze me, just when I think I've seen it all.

[@explorer47422]

Can't often tell how people will react to seeing the blue lights, they can panic and quickly forget how to drive if they've not often experienced it. He did the right thing by backing off to let them calm a little and find his own opening. The vast majority of other drivers in this video did very well to move out of the way safely though.

[@plastikbertrand]

It’s a BMW driver FFS, what do you expect? 😂

[@NorthCamZ]

I my self have never done what he did before but can definitely see how you might panic in the situation.

[@richardhunt1384]

3:49 please tell me there's someone with "45" as a call sign!! Sorry couldn't resist!!! 😂😂😂 Fantastic video as ever!!! 👍👍👍

[@marksapollo]

The number of people who must think your an unmarked Police car or MI5 or 6, being in a black car.

[@Zoobyy]

Yeah thats what i thought. Might be good idea to put the critical care sticker on bonnet

[@PeterBee911]

Yeah, and I wouldn't be surprised if the BMW driver were some ACAB special case. Just like in a previous video, were a douche prevent Chris from entering a roundabout while putting his arm at the window, all relaxed.

[@dubious6718]

@@Zoobyy They yield much faster if they think they might get a ticket.

[@hipFireAim]

​@Zoobyy he's on-call so he can respond even on his personal duties

[@Otacatapetl]

Makes no difference what colour it is. You let emergency vehicles through. End of.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

Well driven. Showed lots of confidence and experience in response driving

[@itsrenderman]

6:23 cheeky lil flash

[@patoverend7395]

excellent video as always chris, note to self put your tic tacs where they won't rattle lol what a plank in that bmw

[@M94289]

Nice to see the unmarked videos back again! Keep them coming and keep up the good work sir!

[@keithhaynes8079]

Brilliant driving again Chris you and the other drivers of critical care units deserve the highest awards possible, from myself a big thank you.

[@garypotter1985]

See this is why I couldn’t be emergency response, siren on, blue lights on, but I’d be just rushing to the chippy before it shut 😂😂

[@williamstrachan]

Pickup at 0:44 spotted you well early and blocked the roundabout nicely, might have blocked the view a bit? What do you prefer, if they were going to head where you'd just come from would you prefer they'd just carried on and left a view? Do you let the car's DSG gearbox do all the thinking about gears, or are you using it in manual mode? Like, at 5:46, it sounds like the car held a gear ages and I'm guessing that was manual control, but maybe it was the car just thinking about gears for you and leaving you to deal with reading the road, navigating, using your extra signals etc?

[@facelessvaper]

Kudos for not editing, not the time nor place for others to decide for you how you should move. Respect👌

[@ohnoitisnt]

As everyone else. This one looked technical. Good stuff!

[@RogueWraith909]

Great driving, quick car... sounds great... and as usual it's a flippin BMW causing issues. Hopefully whoever you were on the way to got the help they needed.

[@tomcat7525]

Hopefully the driver of that BMW gets the help they need. 🙀

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

I'm full of admiration for the skills you have attained.

[@Yue_Jin]

Who the fuck goes over to the right (into the other lane - where oncoming traffic would be) when they hear a siren. That person needs to take their test again.

[@kevinbray9550]

No idea what that BMW driver was doing. Shows how unpredictable some drivers are.

[@sadface]

Anyone else watched so many of these you start to recognise where he is?

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

Well, I've watched quite a few and recognise the locations pretty quickly. But that's because I already know the area (I used to live in Luton and worked in Stevenage for a while). Knowing the roads is part of what makes these videos so interesting to me,

[@madmax]

@Chris Martin 6:21 Why did you brake here? You were still going fast enough to set off the camera. You also said "three seven" is this code or something related to having to speed through a speed camera?

[@Pinza7]

He was calling Bodie for backup.

[@Nick_G7IZR]

6:25 Noticed the speed camera flash. How do you deal with that?

[@scharfzahn1005]

he will not get that ticket, its getting deleted by operators

[@Nick_G7IZR]

@@scharfzahn1005 I thought they sent them and the NHS had to get it cancelled. Maybe its changed. If they recognise the registration and then cancel it straight away, that makes much more sense.

[@NH00531]

My understanding is that the ticket gets issued then through review of call logs etc the particular emergency service can then prove the vehicle was on a 999 call. Unless of course it’s blatantly obvious the blue lights were flashing in the photo!

[@samlay6049]

2:17 its the 2nd time watching these videos iv seen someone try this to get out the way, like always just stay calm, move to the left if you can, or pull off when safe, going into the lane of on coming traffic to let an emergency vehicle by is INSANELY dangerous.

[@JoeBlac]

You might have seen this incident before, Chris uploaded it as a Short a month ago, back on Aug 23.

[@Bralo20]

That's something I don't understand, why does the VRS doesn't come with upgraded brakes? As it's for governmental use the leasing company should be able to buy they vehicles from the governmental sales department. This not only gives access to far better pricing but it also gives access to options that aren't available on regular vehicles like upgraded brakes for example (or speed limiter removal if they have one (like Volvo these days which are limited to 180km/h but it can be removed for governmental use), upgraded suspension, etc... It's not that such options (and plenty of others) can't be sold after end of life. All vehicles, even those bought through GS departments are road worthy and comply with all EU standards so after it's useful life if up (or mileage or time is reached) it can be sold on the normal market without problems. So I only see benefit's for buying through GS departments of the brands. I think leasing companies are something just plain stupid :p

[@will_doherty]

I believe it's used on behalf a charitable trust, not the government, maybe they didn't see the need for the extra expense - which is shortsighted - I think it's also used as a family vehicle, so maybe it's privately owned...

[@karrlrichardson3641]

@Bralo20 In 1 of the recent videos Chris explained the car leasing etc. I understood from that video Chris uses exactly the same leasing style companies that you or I could use. My self, My company pays me a monthly allowance to have a company car. This amount does not include TAX, MOT, or Servicing tires I pay tax on the amount I'm given. This means The car belongs to me, Once I have paid for the car I can keep it or sell it. Any modifications to the car have to be disclosed to the insurance company. I would expect Chris to pay for the emergency lighting etc. and I would suspect he gets a discount and Authorisation to have the equipment installed. Of course, I may have missed the key points in the video, Only Chris can confirm that ????? HMRC has almost a full page on the tax and use using a private unmarked car.

[@InsanitiesBrother]

Another one where I am watching and then I'm like "hold on... I know this road"

[@user-fp3gx2ow7p]

As always Chris a safe and fast response drive. A true professional!

[@alanshelly7068]

Awesome driving buddy from Alan in Lowestoft buddy 👍 😊

[@Gobbbbb]

I'm not a road rager in the slightest, I can't help but be seriously annoyed at that BMW though. I honestly believe a child would've dealt with that situation better.

[@mikemccarthy4765]

now that was an interesting driving choice by that driver. When you're in a DCA that's when you slow down as you pass them to give them the "look".

[@bobbob7877]

what a stilled driver iam happy you are in the service

[@deanmoncaster]

Excellent driving there

[@swanner95]

A bit refreshing to find a few drivers appearing to have their wits about them: holding back at lights, getting into lanes etc. Of course theres always one to ruin it for everyone else. He could have done nothing and been more helpful

[@paulkaminski8829]

Another great drive, interested to learn if your leadership encourages you to pass that footage over to your county’s Roads Policing Unit, as having been part of Rpu we would consider reporting the BMW for due care and attention. ..?

[@mikeyp685]

this was quality, liked the fact that the blue lights clearly panicked the driver, so you backed off, sirens off, and cleared them when there was less danger and the driver could pull over to a safer area, quality, showed your training,

[@anakinvader9120]

Honestly, shoutout to this guy. The speed in those narrow confusing streets, the traffic and dumb people, and the steering wheel on the wrong side (last one is a joke). Keep up the amazing work good sir!

[@ImRhys]

The foreign vehicle made my stomach flip moving into the opposing carriageway...

[@cj2930]

Why was the BMW driver preventing the overtake?

[@chrisgdjmixes]

I think more confused and trying to clear the lane than prevent the overtake.... certainly a clumsy one

[@silkaverage]

I think the BMW driver simply panicked

[@funkyuk1]

Heya Chris. i note that you triggered the Gatso by Lister / the fire station. do you have to deal with the tickets as part of your day to day admin, or is your car registered with DVLA as an emergency service vehicle and tickets are mostly ignored?

[@marksapollo]

Probably a foreigner or new driver who panicked, or a malicious so and so. But someone who definitely needs more driving education.

[@catpainmerca5488]

I think this might have been a driver from a country where you drive on the right hand side. They panicked and tried to make room on the correct side (for them) but for the UK their choice was unfortunately wrong.

[@joebenn996]

I drive a portion of this route fairly regularly (including several times in the last few days) and I now have to remind myself that I am not allowed to drive like Chris!

[@untitled6981]

I have to say apart from that absolute dingbat at the start, Im impressed with how well the majority of people reacted

[@NeilBaileyF1]

I’ve never quite understood why some drivers feel the need to panic brake when blues and twos come up behind them. I have often found that speeding up and finding somewhere safe to let them buy is far more efficient. Good to see that most people were accommodating and helpful though….excluding the BMW of course. What a prawn.

[@NubletPie278]

Wtf was that BMW doing? Confused or intentionally blocking? Nicely handled anyway to avoid them driving into the oncoming truck

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Chris, I salute you for your professionalism. My first thought was that the car at 2:19 was being a (insert whatever expletive you want here ) and deliberately blocking your progress. On some of the earlier videos you would end them as you arrived on scene, is there any chance that could be reintroduced... I'm sure it wouldn't just be me that would put up with the longer videos 🙂

[@SB-cz9vo]

To me it looked like the driver went into 'headless chicken' mode, changing manoeuvres several times without giving Chris time to react.

[@joespittle1]

If you're going to be in this for a while I think a brake upgrade would definitely be appropriate. A performance caliper, pad, rotor, and fluid will be a lot safer. It would be a pretty expensive upgrade but you can't put a price on safety. Grade A driving as usual Chris!

[@dreamcrusher112]

£350 on pads and discs. No need for a big brake kit on a vrs...

[@markwright3161]

I don't think things like that are allowed on vehicles like this in the UK as it likely falls under 'performance modification'. I think these cars are leased from manufacturers, so they can't modify them beyond reversible modifications (magnetic light bars or something that clamps onto factory roof rails, etc), and where drilling is required, I think it is limited to easily replaced parts like mirror caps, plastic grill trim pieces, etc. Any 'performance' part needs to be part of a factory model that has been type approved as it is operated by whichever service. Vauxhall used to put the Vectra VXR engine and drive-train into a lower trim/spec estate body (non-sport model bumpers, etc for unmarked units) specifically for the police, but it was a factory type approved spec. Now it's just whatever crap civilians get sold, like a 2 litre Kuga faux-by-four. Edit; The thing about drilling holes in bodywork might just be a resale value thing, but I think performance modifications would still need the vehicle to pass type approval to be used as an emergency vehicle, so they'll just go with factory vehicles to save time and money.

[@Daytona2]

+6:23 triggered GATSO Does the bluring of the blocker mean that they're getting prosecuted ?

[@thomasdalton1508]

Was the oncoming traffic definitely stopping before you committed to going the wrong side of the keep left sign at 0:10? It looked like it only started to slow after you committed, but it can be hard to tell from a dashcam. That could have gone very wrong if they hadn't stopped.

[@bassmanbowman3266]

Chris was the guy I. The BMW reported to the police ? Nice driving by the way. Can I admit that I saw your marked car in Hitchin the other day, and I waved 🤣

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

2:20 What on earth were they doing? Was it a lhd tourist car from Europe giving way as they would when driving on the right? Or just someone who couldn't drive?

[@TyrantFinderUK]

Your anticipation of what other road users will do is superb.

[@davewhite768]

Report the BMW to the police

[@davidbirch3479]

Even if there was nothing malicious - hard to prove, it would provide an opportunity to educate them

[@dubious6718]

@@Tanks-In-Space You always move to the left when there is a single lane. What he did was illegal and dangerous.

[@lwo7736]

Malicious, stupid, panic, it's hard to tell when it's an emergency vehicle. Reporting it to the police was dumb. It happened, move on from it

[@davewhite768]

dangerous driving and driving without due care and attention

[@davewhite768]

@Tanks_in_Space but what if this was a fire appliance? They are not agile enough nor light enough to stop like a normal car can

[@greatleapforwards]

when you have watched so many of these that you start recognising the roads and you live in another country!

[@sirsquirrel0]

Really enjoyed eating my breakfast watching this 😎

[@srowlands248]

Why would that car driver think it’s helpful to move to the centre of the road making you squeeze between them and the kerb 🤯🤯.

[@Daniel-S1]

Would it because they are stupid?

[@will_doherty]

It was a poor decision on the spur of the moment, and unfortunately then panic set in, and we saw the result.

[@OwenBenGaming]

Panic, that’s why mate

[@Tom-2221]

Nice work as always Chris - enjoyed the speed camera flash in this one! 😅

[@hasan_z]

great skills dude, I can't drive this good on a computer game. much respect

[@Strandedpie]

6:23 you can see the speed camera go off in the top right.

[@6Twisted]

2:11 What the hell were they doing?

[@KSSilenceAU]

Given that the Brakes took an absolute smashing on this run, Do you ever use or consider using engine braking by dropping a gear or 2 when slowing down to help the normal brakes cope with the workload Chris?

[@topgunner1011]

Not a Manual, so i don't believe he can, unless Skoda let's you enable somehow via the screen.

[@Dave-dm7vt]

His car is an automatic, but on saying that, using engine breaking will wreck the gearbox! Far cheaper to replace break pads and discs than a gearbox.

[@KSSilenceAU]

@@topgunner1011 Pretty much almost all Auto's at minimum have some way to at least select 2nd / 1st manually, and in most modern vehicles you have either paddles and/or Tip Tronic manual up/down on the selector itself that allows you to pick any gear you want (within the limits that the Computer will allow to protect the drive train from overrev / lugging). That car Chris is driving being a modern Skoda VRS if I'm not mistaken, thus it is pretty much guaranteed to have Tip Tronic and/or paddles in some form. That said, it can potentially increase the drivers workload, and if he doesn't have paddles on the wheel, then he would need to take a hand off the wheel to operate the shifter in the manual range, which possibly presents some challenges during emergency response driving.

[@rustydusty2992]

It would have to be planned slowing down for every occassion for that to work efficiently as it's a question of timing as it must be done quickly for it to be worth it, prefferebly step changed down as all unplanned as can happen a lot on response it's not worth it as your speed by the time you change down is at what you need it to be anyway. That's as far as I view it anyway as a response driver but I dont know if Chris feels any different as I view him a very good response driver and his reactions are very likely faster than mine as I am older.

[@tomsixsix]

I also wonder if a hybrid with regen braking would help (or in the future an EV with a big battery, not sure how many miles Chris does every day)

[@h418lfc]

What planet or drug was that bmw driver on, nothing but confused panic. You did another amazing drive there Chris.

[@wrnrt]

2:20 Got 'm. Don't worry, the internet will take care of him.

[@markm5ireland]

Love seeing the speed camera flash at 6.25. Chris do you have paperwork to do for tickets coming in on calls or are they not issued. I understand in Ireland they are issued to relevant emergency department and need to be justified

[@awmperry]

I was wondering the same - perhaps Chris’ light rig includes a Gatso light?

[@SpyrithV]

Yeah, if it's like in France, it's automatic, the ticket is issued to the owner of the car via the number plate. I assume they just have to contest the ticket and they'll be fine

[@oliver.gilbert]

They have a solid blue light on the rear so that they are automatically discounted

[@awmperry]

@@oliver.gilbert Yes, a Gatso (speed camera) light. I just can’t remember whether or not the Skoda was fitted with one.

[@mbwoods2001]

Some forces have a solid blue light at the back for speed cameras instead of flashing lights as sometimes when the speed cams flashes and takes the photos at that point, occasionally when the camera takes the photo at that split second when the light flashes during the off phase and that leads to confusion and having to go thru all the paperwork to provide that the car was on a 999 call in order to cancel the fines!

[@lennardvanetten9764]

Love that VRS growl everytime you step on the gas. Like "grrrrr I wanna run move" But wth was that beemer with blurred plate thinking?

[@KendalSmithy]

Theory regarding the BMW driver. Could he be thinking you were a 'fail to stop' driver being chased by the police, until he saw your blue lights perhaps?

[@hazyblue69]

I think the BMW was trying to move in to the hashed area to allow Chris to stay in lane and pass on the left, not the best idea in retrospect.

[@0saintclark0]

Honestly stunned that there are so many people that don't move out of the way or slow down at all, even ignoring the person moving to the wrong side of the road 🤦🏼‍♂️ what were they thinking.

[@JanneBernards]

What do you mean? Everyone moved out of the way pretty well on this video. If anything a few of them would've done better to just keep driving at speed for a bit longer rather than brake hard and pull over immediately.

[@0saintclark0]

@@JanneBernards watch it again, plenty of people don't even slow down let alone move over.

[@K3V0M]

You uploaded that interaction with the BMW as a short before. There and under this video people are talking about malicious intent. I just think they wanted to pull into the middle and then you got into the classic left-right-left-right scenario just like in a hallway.

[@hazyblue69]

Exactly my thoughts on the BMW

[@jacksonbritton4436]

That car was so dangerous coming out like that but you made the right decision to back off

[@davidcousins5493]

Great video, I just wonder why we in the UK have not adopted the continental system. Particularly on motorway style roads of when in heavy slow moving traffic, move over to create a clear lane for emergency vehicles. I've seen it in Germany, France and Holland.

[@lolzlolz69]

If the Highway Agency kept the sides of the road clean (and who's going to continually pay for it?) then maybe. But at the moment if you stray to far left or right you are liable to pick up a puncture. Best bet in heavy traffic is to leave enough room from the car in front so you can maneuver if the emergency services are coming.

[@JanneBernards]

In theory it's been in effect in Belgium for a few years now as well. People are a little slow in catching up to it though. The people here are generally good at moving out of the way for emergency vehicles, they're just a little disorganized when doing so.

[@markwright3161]

@@lolzlolz69 Instead the emergency vehicles go down what little hard shoulders are left, and as Chris has showed, pick up the punctures and need to pull out of responses to be repaired. Civilians should still pull to the side in slower moving traffic. Being the slower moving vehicle, they can pay attention to where they're driving and crawl around anything that might puncture their tyres. The UK could also adopt the system in other countries where damage sustained in the act of clearing way for an emergency vehicle is automatically covered by their insurance without charge I believe. Where there isn't a hard shoulder, it is already official guidance in the UK to create an emergency corridor. I don't hold it against anyone who didn't know that. Despite actively seeking videos, etc on advanced driving, etc in the UK myself, I didn't know until a channel I follow brought it up. I don't know how to find the government video again to link to you, so how they expect any average driver in the UK to learn about it I don't know. 'Ashley Neal' is the channel I found it through, but I can't remember which video he mentioned it in. In my opinion, the emergency corridor should apply to every dual carriageway, regardless of whether or not it has a hard shoulder, right down to one way systems with 2+ lanes. It's far safer for everyone, while also being far better for emergency vehicles' progress. It would also enable recovery trucks, etc to get to scenes much sooner to clear incidents much faster, dramatically reducing delays in that way too.

[@andrewallan6802]

37? Were you trying to call Bodie from CI5 to come and sort the Bimmer out? Thank you for taking the time to share these. Great work!

[@14LuvMusic]

This has probably been asked and answered before but what happens if you accidentally clip another vehicle on a run, like a wing mirror or a small paint trade? Obviously not worth stopping for when you're going to save a life, but is it chased up via the dash cam footage? Or is it just one of those "s**t happens" things like hitting a bird?

[@heidi5942]

At my agency, we stop if there is a collision caused by us, even if we are not immediately involved.

[@ianmason.]

Emergency vehicles, just like the rest of us, MUST stop in case of an accident (Section 170 RTA 1988). If they don't they commit the same offence that your or I would, and will be dealt with by the law in exactly the same way. Of course once you've stopped and done the minimum legally necessary there's no legal obligation to hang around. In the case of a minor accident, most members of the public would I'm sure be happy to take 60 seconds swapping phone numbers, letting them get on with their shout and sorting out the details later (strictly this isn't following the letter of the law, but frankly this is the sort of occasion that IMHO the spirit is more important than the letter). If they have a minor accident that they weren't aware of at the time (e.g. clipped wing mirror they only spot later) or something prevented exchanging details with the other driver, then they again have the same obligation as thee and me to report it to the police within 24 hours. Different agencies around the country will have different policies on how to handle collisions - for instance the Met Police will stop and stay, someone else will get tasked with the call they were on, and in any cases of damage or injury a Garage Police Sergeant will generally attend the scene.

[@GaffaTV]

Is this a reupload? I'm sure I'd seen that "BMW blocking" on that stretch before.

[@NewRailBasher]

Great to watch. Covering maximum ground at the safest speed for the traffic/round conditions. Very smooth and progressive.

[@Awokein]

Hey Chris, noticed you didn’t have your face cam on today… Was just wondering why you didn’t just go the other way round the roundabout @ 1:06 , no one was coming and it would’ve been a bit quicker to do so.

[@raindancer6111]

Going anticlockwise on a roundabout is not a legal exemption unless directed to do so by a police officer in uniform.

[@Awokein]

@@raindancer6111Ah, I see, thank you Rain!

[@nobodykws]

@@raindancer6111 but I have seen Chris done anticlockwise on a roundabout in another video

[@raindancer6111]

@@nobodykws That was the official line I got when I asked my spouse who is ambulance crew. But I also know that they have done that on occasion where time was of the essence. I can only assume if it goes wrong they are on their own legally.

[@rustydusty2992]

As it was in the Black skoda VRS I take it the video is an old one Chris unless you still use it and it is your own car perhaps as I have seen the clip by the one who takes to the middle (silver car BMW i think) instaed of just moving over to the left a few times and a few months ago.

[@bordersw1239]

It’s very easy to focus on the bad driving but the great majority of the public reacted well. I would guess as an emergency responder what you need above all is to understand how the cars in front are going to react and the great majority made it obvious they were giving you a clear path.

[@ru95]

Speeding ticket in the post at the end there 😂

[@MrJason106666]

Hi Chris do you find people move out of way faster when you are in a marked car rather than unmarked has people look slow to move when you are in unmarked car.

[@joshb7415]

great driving, weird why the person moved to the right instead of the left.

[@petelyden8193]

I'm just happy that you don't upload videos everyday!

[@SlaterGator]

Talk about peak hour traffic. Damn that looked stressful!

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

You've obviously never driven round Hitchin in the rush hour... that was a very average traffic density.

[@SlaterGator]

Yea true, I live in the sticks. So my perspective is a bit different haha

[@ismayb754]

The number of people who dont stop and pull over until the very last minute. How much quicker ambulances could arrive if everyone pulled over and waited as soon as they saw them. Ive lost count of the number of times ive seen flashing blue lights in my rear view mirror, pulled over only for the cars behind me to overtake and carry on driving. I know its not proper use of the horn but they get a strong honk from me!