DORSET residents are urged to educate themselves on how best to help an emergency vehicle on a ‘blue light’ run.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, Dorset Police and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust are promoting a new video called Blue Light Aware.

The video, produced by the road safety charity GEM Motoring Assist, is based on advice available in the Highway Code and addresses situations identified as causing confusion for motorists. The five-minute video can be viewed at www.bluelightaware.org.uk.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s lead emergency response driver trainer Guy Fox said drivers understandably want to do all they can to help emergency vehicles.

“But difficulties do arise as it is not always clear what they are expected to do in order to provide the best help,” he said.

“As a result, sometimes the public put themselves in danger, break the law or risk damage to their cars while trying to assist an emergency vehicle on blue lights.

“I would suggest everyone takes five minutes out of their day to have a look at this video and learn about how best to help.”

Dorset Police Chief Inspector Bob Nichols said: “Seeing an emergency service vehicle progressing through traffic can be a confusing and disorientating event for an unprepared driver.

“This short and informative video will help drivers to understand how best to assist with their safe progress to any urgent incident.”

Paul Cleeland-Smith, operational manager for the ambulance service hopes everyone will take the time to watch the video.

He said: “This video is an ideal way to inform motorists about exactly what to do when an emergency vehicle is approaching.

“I have no doubt that this information will be welcomed by many people, and we are pleased to have contributed to this excellent resource, which may well help us in our quest to save saves.”

David Williams, chief executive of GEM Motoring Assist, who spearheaded the project, said the need for a new information video has been raised frequently in recent years.

He said: “Emergency service drivers make ‘blue light’ journeys because someone needs their urgent help. We in turn can help them by giving them the room they need.

“In so doing, we may well be helping to save a life.”