What should be the first consideration when driving an ambulance at night?

When driving an ambulance at night, the first consideration should be reducing speed due to decreased visibility. Nighttime driving presents unique challenges, such as limited visibility caused by darkness, which can impair the ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles in the road. Slowing down allows the driver to react more effectively to any potential hazards that may arise, ensuring safer navigation through the environment.

It's important to recognize that while urgency is a consideration for emergency response vehicles, maintaining safety is paramount in ensuring not only the safety of the crew and patients onboard but also the safety of other road users. Slowing down contributes to better control of the vehicle in low-visibility conditions, which is crucial for making quick and informed decisions.

High-beam headlights can improve visibility, but using them constantly can blind other drivers and create additional risks. Flickering lights or completely turning off lights can compromise both the recognition of the ambulance on the road and the driver's own visibility, leading to dangerous situations. Therefore, reducing speed is essential in the context of nighttime driving for an ambulance.