What is one of the best ways to maintain a cushion of safety in front of your ambulance?

Maintaining a safe following distance between your ambulance and the vehicle ahead is essential for ensuring a cushion of safety. This practice allows for ample reaction time in the event of sudden stops or emergencies from the vehicle in front. The increased distance provides space to maneuver and helps minimize the risk of a collision, especially in unpredictable traffic situations. A proper following distance is particularly critical in the context of emergency vehicles, where the driver must be prepared to react to the behavior of other drivers, pedestrians, or obstacles that may arise.

While using emergency lights and sirens is vital for alerting other road users, it does not inherently create a buffer zone or safe space in front of the ambulance. Changing lanes frequently can lead to confusion and may increase the risk of accidents, while traveling 10 mph under the speed limit can hinder flow of traffic and potentially create hazardous situations for yourself and others on the road, rather than ensuring safety. Therefore, establishing a safe following distance remains the most effective way to maintain that crucial cushion of safety in front of the ambulance.