Motor Expo 2026

When using roads, one cannot claim ignorance, because if you are ready to drive on the road, you must accept and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations. And the most important thing is "consciousness", especially regarding the etiquette of giving way to emergency ambulances. Many of you might genuinely not know what to do if we see an emergency ambulance approaching from behind our car with its lights flashing to request passage. Should we go left or right? Let's look at the international guidelines for giving way to emergency ambulances as follows: 

1. When seeing flashing lights and hearing siren sounds, one often gets startled and doesn't know what to do. Therefore, first and foremost, drivers should remain calm. 
2. Try to look in the rear-view mirror to estimate the distance of the approaching ambulance.
3. After assessing the volume of traffic to the left and right and finding no danger, and that you can safely move to the far left, the driver should reduce the vehicle's speed and move to the left immediately to give way to the ambulance.
4. If unable to give way due to heavy traffic and potential danger, stop and slow down the vehicle to a standstill so that the emergency ambulance can find a way to pass.
5. Once the emergency ambulance has passed, absolutely do not follow it. 
6. In case of traffic congestion with an emergency ambulance directly behind, consider whether to move to the left or right. If no one is giving way, the driver should choose which side to move to and signal with the turn signal to allow the emergency ambulance to pass conveniently.

Furthermore, according to the Road Traffic Act B.E. 2522, Section 76, regarding the rights and duties of road users and pedestrians towards emergency vehicles, they must immediately move out of the way and clear the road surface upon hearing a siren or seeing flashing lights. Failure to comply will result in a fine not exceeding 500 Baht. Additionally, ambulance drivers or emergency vehicle drivers themselves must strictly adhere to traffic laws, driving carefully for the shared safety of all road users.

Always remember that the people in the ambulance could be our relatives. Such incidents can happen to us at any time as well. And don't forget! If you find injured people or witness an accident, first remain calm and call hotline 1669 for medical assistance. The call is free, but please don't misuse it. 

In case of doubt whether an ambulance is properly registered, the public can help check through the EMS certified application, or send a photo of the vehicle to the email 1669@niems.go.th, or call 02-8721669. NIEMS (National Institute for Emergency Medicine) will proceed with an immediate check.

Cr: National Institute for Emergency Medicine - NIEMS 1669 / ThaiPBS

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