To serve their purpose, sirens atop emergency vehicles must be loud enough to mask road noise, the buzz from car stereos, and a host of other sounds. Their blaring cries often cause momentary discomfort, if not lasting auditory impairment. However, recent figures from an Australian insurer could mean that hearing loss should be the least of driver concerns.
According to NRMA Insurance, drivers are confused by approaching fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles on a fairly regular basis. In fact, sirens can leave drivers so befuddled that they cause accidents.
NRMA averages about a claim each day involving New South Wales (NSW) drivers who were distracted by sirens. In 2008 alone, he insurance provider received approximately 300 related claims. Suzanne Jolliffe, a spokesperson for NRMA, attributes this alarming statistic to the fact that many drivers remain confused about how to react when they detect a siren approaching.
"Unfortunately we are regularly hearing from customers who have panicked after hearing an emergency vehicle and slammed on the brakes," said Jolliffe. "In doing so, rear-end collisions have become commonplace in this type of situation."
The average repair cost following a collision of this nature is around $5,000, a figure that doesn't factor in the emotional and financial consequences to the community if emergency services cannot promptly arrive at their intended destinations.
To avoid collisions, Jolliffe advises drivers to follow the correct road rules: moving safely out of the way, and allowing the emergency vehicle to pass. "It is also important to stay calm and focus on the changing traffic conditions," she added.
NRMA Insurance is a unit of Insurance Australia Group, a national insurance and financial services group.
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