When sirens sound on the road, safety must come first

WHEN I hear a siren behind me while I’m driving, I would steer slowly as much to the side of the road as possible to help create a path for the vehicle to move quickly. Sirens are not just used by police or fire fighting trucks, of course; they are also used by escorted VIP convoys and police trucks ferrying prisoners.

I have no disagreement with some people requiring protection and escorted movement, such as the prime minister, members of royalty, visiting foreign dignita­ries – anyone facing security or operational risks. But the escorts must be used safely.