Overtaking an Ambulance

**Berries** · 20th October 2011, 22:27

So, I was heading to Queenstown on Monday and was on for quite a good time. Came around a corner to see two ambulances just joining the main road from an intersection, later realised they must have been coming from the Arrowtown plane crash. The first ambulance had his lights going, the second one didn't. I sat back for a moment to let them get up to speed, but they didn't. The lead ambo was sitting at between 80 and 90km/h, I was happy cruising quite a bit faster.

Now, I will always pull over and give way, or stop at the lights when green, when I see an emergency services vehicle with lights and siren going, the last thing I would want to do is hold them up. But I was stuck behind these two for a while thinking should I or shouldn't I overtake them? I can't see that it is illegal, but does anyone consider it bad form?

**Shadows** · 20th October 2011, 22:40

They were probably travelling slowly because of issues with the patient. I don't see a problem overtaking provided you don't force them to take any evasive action.

**Juzz976** · 20th October 2011, 23:02

As long as you don't backfire near them, gear selection is key there.

They may get sick of checking their mirrors for that damn bike that just won't pass when they know you're thinking about it.

Obviously with all overtaking maneuvers....do it safely.

**Thaeos** · 20th October 2011, 23:23

Just remember it's only legal overtaking if you don't exceed the posted speed limit... lollllllll.

**ellipsis** · 20th October 2011, 23:39

....toot, wheelie and wave would be the thing to do...

**Gremlin** · 20th October 2011, 23:44

I've overtaken a rural fire engine before... I felt he was going slowly, so very cautiously overtook down a long straight.

So I don't consider it bad form, but I certainly try to avoid it if at all possible (with all emergency service vehicles)

**unstuck** · 21st October 2011, 05:21

Is overtaking a speeding police car.

**Paul in NZ** · 21st October 2011, 06:40

Meh! Overtake em.... But be warned he WILL catch up with you eventually....

**knuckles24** · 21st October 2011, 20:35

By law you are allowed to overtake any emergency vehicle as long as you are not breaking the speed limit, as one of the other members said they were probably stabilising the patient, but common sense would have to kick in and if the sirens and lights are going the i would hang back as the last thing they need is a speeding motorbike roaring past.