@@anonrogermoore465 Footage is probably enough for a careless/dangerous driving conviction anyway. I wonder if footage like this from other emergency vehicles goes to the police.
Because a good driver needs to be able to stay calm. Too many issues on the road are people getting triggered by other's, or sometimes their own, mistakes, and then getting way too angry and driving recklessly as a result
@@joski9030 Oh dear. Perhaps it's best not to try and advise people on something you know very little about. First of all, you're watching a paramedic respond to an emergency, not a police officer. Secondly, if you think that this country has the resource to just "get the chopper out" and "a closer officer" then you have a fundamental misunderstanding of how emergency resources are dispatched. Helicopters are often dispatched to remote emergencies, but they are limited in availability (often run by charities) and as per the video, Chris is taking an extended route due to diversions. We have skilled dispatchers in control rooms for the sole purpose of ensuring the most fitting resources are sent to a job. They are trained to make the most of the resource available, but they can't just create resource where it doesn't exist.
@@joski9030 you can literally see in the video that he is wearing a GREEN vest over plain clothes. if you have two brain cells to rub together, obviously hes not police. secondly he is obviously driving a black unmarked vehicle, but this is obviously not a police unmarked vehicle because we can see it has a light bar on top, not very inconspicuous for the police, therefore its likely a personal vehicle fitted with lights used by a high ranking ambulance or fire officer. simple observational skills, you obviously have none
Initially I thought that Serco van was doing well by continuing for a decent place to pass. Then I realised the driver was just being a moron and not using their mirrors!
@@GeorgeThoughts I mean it's not about fake or not. It's about procedure admittedly I have no clue on the subject but in theory. A real ambulance could pass, the serco van pulls into a small gap to let it pass and the prisoners pal parks a bigger van between serco and his exit. To help prisoner out. I'm assuming they are avoiding difficult places to pull away from thus waiting for the big gap.
@@thelostusername5013 Certainly is a possibility. It looks like a prisoner transport van (small, high-up windows in the back), and the driver pulled into what looks like a side road rather than a layby (although Google Maps shows it to be a dead-end).
As an emergency response driver myself it never ceases to amaze me the most ridiculous things people do when they see an emergency vehicle under blue lights. Probably my biggest pet peeve is people coming to a complete stop on the brow of a hill or opposite a pedestrian island. There really needs to be a module on the syllabus that teaches this when people learn to drive.
I agree! Is there anything you can share that should be common knowledge but isn't? I guess for most of us blue lights mean move to the left and slow down/stop to let them pass, but what else should I be looking out for or trying to do to help?
I agree with this completely! I do think some driving instructors on UA-cam have touched on the subject as to what to do in case of music and lights. But it would be interesting and very educational if there was an in depth discussion.
Agree 100% with the need for education. Through watching your videos, I knew what to do the other day when I saw the blues a quarter mile back in my mirror: don't panic and don't just slam on the brakes. Instead, make sure I reach a suitable passing spot first. So I drove around the long left hander then pulled over in good time for the emergency vehicle (Police) to get safely past with plenty of visibility. Thanks for the lessons learned from your videos. They definitely help.
As driving instructors, we always teach how to deal with blue lights appropriately, but it often has to be a theoretical approach unless a real situation just happens to crop up on a lesson. On average, learners are with us for 40ish hours before passing their test, so it doesn't always get taught in real life. We generally signpost learners to Blue Light Aware. Is there anything else you would suggest to help prepare people better?
Perfect karma, the Audi driver must have been so ready for it. I mean, what was that van even thinking!? Oh, I can hear sirens, and this car pulled over in front of me, I guess they're stopping so I'll just overtake them...? Feel like I lost IQ from just witnessing that driving. :)
@@VoxelLoop Van driving was awful, but no rear view mirror and side mirrors only plus could of had the music up or on the phone or both. Only one mistake from Chris and that was he didn't factor that the van might over take the Audi but otherwise great driving in a stressful narrow wet muddy pot hole road.
Surprising by how many motorists are oblivious to their surroundings, especially the 2 van's, would be interested to know the amount of damage to your car by the potholes
@@Fekillix does it also deafen you, come one, he overtook a car that stopped, didn't even look behind, or think why everyone else had pulled over, shit driving
@@hardlinefoil7532 Suspect the stereo also plays a part. Music blaring or if anything like the delivery drivers round here they are often on a 'hands free' phone call and in their own world. Vans usually have large side mirrors which still allow for a lot rear view, just not directly behind you.
I think the van driver got a little confused as Chris turned off the siren, probably thought he could continue, but even after he turned the siren back on he sailed past a bunch of passing places anyway! God knows what they were doing. :)
Great drive Chris. That last part down from Wallington is a relief after the twisty stuff before and actually quite safe to drive at up to legal speeds on a less busy day. :-)
The amount of civilians who don’t say thankyou while driving is unbelievable and then there’s this guy going alone country lanes at moderately high speed blue lighting it and saying thankyou. Respect to you
Great control, good reaction to the plonker van driver but also nice to see the courtesy waves to those drivers that had helped and created space for you. That is the sign of your true professionalism, well done
That bloody serco van, they had plenty of chances to pull over safely, they weren’t paying attention, then the white van unsafe pull out on you is absolutely Atrocious
Excellent video Chris and it's great to watch and learn from one of the best response drivers .. calm..collected and polite with it... Keep up the great work
I counted at least 3 places that tall van could've pulled over safely before they woke up. Lots of respect from someone that used to see blue light runs from the back of an 18 tonne fire tanker.
I'd be curious to see the difference in response from other motorists, though. An ambulance is not just any old van, it's heavy and a little less maneuverable than this but it is also very clearly marked and a lot taller. I remember the difference in driving on those backroads in the UK when we had a van vs now that we just have a car, that little difference in height makes a massive difference in how far ahead you can see and how clearly visible you are to others, even more so when that van is brightly colored and has lights in a place where you can see them over a lot of the bushes on the sides of the roads. Definitely not trying to say that it's easy and I have incredible respect for anyone with the balls to drive like this for the sake of others, but I can imagine that the pros and cons of an ambulance vs a low, black station wagon would somewhat balance out
@@daylen577 You are correct of course concerning the visibility from the ambulance. As to the visibility of the truck, some people still manage to not see it. I was actually thinking more of the width of it when it comes to passing other vehicles on such roads. Also there is the added nuance of keeping the ride as smooth as possible when people may be working with a patient in the back.
@@raindancer6111 Oh yeah definitely, the width would make it much harder. My first time driving in the UK was in the van I mentioned and it was not at all uncommon for us to have a standoff with another driver coming at us, where eventually one of us would have to back up until we got to some farmer's gate or something. A Skoda Octavia isn't a ton less wide, but still much easier to throw around and drive up a curb, especially with not having to deal with people in the back as you said.
Just like Every road on the “isle of man” , apart from the 3 or 4 main roads that cross the island , great driving on what looked like tricky conditions 👍💪🇮🇲
I think we should first make sure people driving a white van pass any driving test at all. ;) Maybe there's a 'white van exemption' in the highway code that states they don't need to pull over for emergency vehicles, can do 100mph on motorways, and don't need to stop for people at roundabouts!
Love the videos Chris! been binge watching them all day :) massive respect for you and how well you perform your job, inspiring me to take advanced drivers test. thank you and keep up the good work man !!
Not everyday the viewers teach you with how much you've been teaching us; but as some said, the van at 2:08 is a prisoner transport van most likely transporting someone. To them it's probably bad enough they have to take a narrow country lane on an unexpected diversionary route. They can't pull over somewhere where they wouldn't have multiple escape routes. That's why he didn't stop earlier; because he can't. They have very selective policies on this. In future though you know if you see a van like that, especially with that Serco writing, you'll probably need to give it more time and room than you might expect others to need.
I'm pleased to see most people know how to react, I'm surprised not more people cock it up based on what I've seen on dashcam videos, you are clearly a skilled driver with the right mentality which you can't say for a lot of drivers out there, keep up the good work.
I felt every one of those pot holes 😣 q. Can you use main beam headlight flash when blue lights activated or does the “wig-wag” override them? The reason I ask is because main beam headlights are more directional and may alert road users better?
EEAST used to have headlight flashers built in to the lighting pack, but they were taken off as they were burning through too many bulbs and costing too much money, so now everyone just flashes their headlights manually
Everyone is talking about the transit, this one got me thinking “seriously?” And also made me chuckle 1:31 I can’t quite see if there was good visibility here, but on approaching the corner you could see the road across the field. Surely this van saw Chris coming 🤔 Great run though, superb driving skill 👍🏼
I'm american and I enjoy watching these POVs so much its like he is playing a video game In real life... all the scenery and nature and green land and european cars...its soo cool
I would like to say that Chris is a Great driver . However I would also like to say, how impressed I am, with the behaviour of the vast majority of UK drivers . Congratulations to the British motorist .
Hi Chris, Great driving as per usual! Obviously a job such as yours is one where you probably never stop learning, particularly with how to handle some of the driving displayed in this video, but just curious as to how long the training takes from first starting off to being comfortable enough to go out on your own. Thanks for the sharing the clips and for the great work you do. Our local service sadly lost a paramedic during a call not that far away from myself, and I think it’s sometimes easy for road users to forget how dangerous your job actually is. Your clips are a great tool in informing drivers on how to be helpful and make your drives all the more safer!
As a fellow emergency services worker I love your videos! Great driving and love the way you keep calm which is literally the best way to drive safely on blues 😀
I love watching these videos and I’m a brand new driver so I try and keep a look out for emergency vehicles and remember not to panic. Yeah, didn’t happen 😂 saw one coming when I was driving home from work for the first time, in the dark for the first time. Completely panicked like omg where do I pull over I’m coming towards a roundabout omg. Only to realise I was in wrong lane of roundabout, so went that way instead, only to see the ambulance wanted to go that way too lmao, panicked and pulled over in a bus stop 😭😭😭 oh and I accidentally put my full beams on and blinded some drivers. 0/10 Butttt the next time I saw an ambulance, I calmly braked and just pulled over :) lol.
A neat trick if you are approaching a roundabout and there's an emergency vehicle behind you is to just go all the way around the roundabout. The emergency vehicle can then take the exit they need while you are going round and you won't end up blocking them.
If you’re approaching somewhere you can pull in and you can speed up and pull in before they get to you then go for it. If there’s no where to pull in but it’s a wide road just slow down if there’s no one on the other side of the road, if there is people on the other side then come to a stop in a reasonable manner. If you’re on a tight country road I’d say just keep driving until you reach a point you think they can pass and try not to panic while they’re behind you (maybe speed up a little if you feel confident enough but don’t feel forced to speed up if you feel unsafe), it’s very rare to see an emergency vehicle with lights on in country roads though.
Can you do a video on what drivers can do to help emergency services vehicles please, like where to stop and what the different tones mean. Loving the videos, great job!
Don't stop before a top like the vehicle at the end did. Don't stop in a blind curve either. Its just common sense really. Don't stop in places where you cant see in front of you. Different tones don't mean anything different, they are just different to get peoples attention.
@@dubious6718 The shorter tones (known as yelp/phaser) are directional tones so should be used upon the arrival at a hazard (e.g. a junction). The longer tone (Wail) due to its frequency and tone sends the noise further into the distance, to be used between hazards.
Great viewing, as an ex driving tester (Ireland) it is great to watch someone in total tune with the job in hand, if only everyone paid bloody attention to driving as they do with their bloody phones
Ah! Wallington. Just after 2.00 there is a letterbox in a wall. The house to the left is where George Orwell was living when he wrote Animal Farm. The farm on the right just before you get there is Manor Farm. Probably no coincidence that the farm in the book is also called Manor Farm.
Hey really like your videos, new sup here. To your little hint for the rally drivers, a lot of prep goes into it, stage prep, where can the weather be a factor, tires that can last 2-4 stages, and most importantly the roads are closed, plus they go to 98% of the limit, where you go to about 50% in good conditions, plus you need to do the prep on the fly, the traffic, and are responsible for not creating accidents, even if a van pulls out in front of you....
Beautiful scenery indeed but sadly these roads are being destroyed by the likes of Google maps directing people down them. They are single track only meant for the local residents. Now the verges are destroyed by people pushing past where there aren't passing places. All the extra traffic creates potholes to.
@@Alucard-gt1zf Perhaps there's a slight difference between being used and over used. Used by people who should be sticking to main roads instead of short cutting. Single track roads have a low capacity incase you have never used one.
@@Alucard-gt1zf Driving on roads like that is a completely different type of driving to driving around towns and cities. The countryside is becoming increasingly accessible these days (almost too accessible), so there is an influx of people who simply don't know how to drive on them (and display a level of ignorance that simply doesn't work). People are more than welcome to use the roads , but learn how to do it properly.
@Nicky L I understand that's the case in this video but my comment was directed at the bigger picture. I've seen it myself, single track roads that were 10 years ago quiet country lanes, now popular rat runs pushed well past there capacity.
Brow of the hill looked a bit like they were trying to pick the widest spot but the two vans really take the biscuit. I've had the misfortune to have been driving artics to farms a few times and been totally snookered when it comes to pulling over enough to allow a set of blues to pass for a mile or so but it's a different ballgame entirely when you're pulling 44 tonnes and 60 foot long compared to a car.
Is it common for responders to turn on their lights/sirens heading back to the hospital/police station where the vehicles are stored, just to get off work a bit more early?
Another good drive Chris, next time the Octavia is in the workshop maybe worth getting the alloys checked, couple of awful pothole strikes there. I run a Superb on 18’s and it’s bloody awful over potholes and I have 2 damaged wheels.
Highlights the diverse levels of driving skills, or lack of in the public, while some pull in, others with small minded focus try to gain an extra few meters and block your rightful safe passage. As for the serco driver, time to re think a professional driving career and learn what mirrors are for. Fantastic job staying calm even with the challenges.
I can't remember the exact rules but it's a prisoner transport van and they're not obliged to stop if doing so puts their own safety at risk. Look closely - they have definitely seen Chris and actively deny a couple of passing places where they could otherwise be hijacked.
Would you be able to do a seperate video on this talking us through it? It's very interesting observing the reaction from these vehicles and how on more than one occasion cars/vans were overtaking due to the early reactions of other motorists, do you think this is because most of these drivers were on an unfamiliar road due to the road closure? I'm sure there must be a link to this factor and the poor observations from other motorists? Would be interested to hear your thoughts
Unfamiliar roads might play a part, but I think it's mostly just people being completely oblivious to their surroundings. Too many people just look in front and don't bother to check their mirrors often. If you then also have music on, you won't hear the siren either. At least the white van was probably just completely oblivious to the presence of Chris and didn't bother to think for a second why the car in front of them might have pulled over.
Il faut vraiment être un crétin pour ne pas essayer de trouver un moyen pour se ranger rapidement. Il y a de quoi éprouver de la frustration et un brin de colère. Un excellent parcours maîtrisé. Et l'esprit toujours alerte, afin d'anticiper de probables situations.
Amazing how bad driving standards are in the UK... car pulls in because they've seen or heard you approaching from behind, yet vehicles that overtake said cars that are pulling in clearly aren't doing proper mirror checks before their manoeuvre's. (White van @ 3:50 and white car at 4:45)
Great video Chris if you ever find time could you create a video explaining a bit about your job what sort of calls you respond to the kind of education you need etc.. either way really appreciate the videos as they help me get more comfortable hearing sirens behind me and moving correctly for the driver to progress
Fantastic driving skills. The Ford transit had ample room to move over. Would like to have seen more of the cars indicate as they pulled over, but maybe i couldn't see it on the video.
Too much terrible awareness and poor driving there from lots of other road users. You and you car must have aged significantly on that run. It's great to see this from your perspective and thanks for sharing.
It amazes me how many people's first response to the car in front doing odd things is to overtake. Not to slow down, take a moment and think "why have they done that?"
Nice driving by SERCO (not) and how many love stopping on brow of hills or on bends! amazing driving (do feel sorry for the car after some potholes) Keep safe!
I hate driving country lanes, particularly down in Devon and Corwall. Does not help having a SUV. Quite often if meeting a bus or lorry coming the other way, it involves reversing and finding a place to allow the other vehicle to pass. I think they worked very well in horse and cart days. Great driving by the ambulance officer.
Absolutely incredible driving. I genuinely don’t think people realise how good you are. That speed on those roads was next level driving. I bet you are top boy amongst your own.
A lot of people are giving the van driver at 3:53 a hard time. I'm not saying what they did was right, but the way the Audi driver stomped on the breaks and stopped in the centre of the passing place might be why the van swerved and pulled in front instead. Audi driver was more concerned with getting themselves out of the way, instead of moving to a place where those behind them could as well. If the van was just trying to overtake to get one place ahead, I don't think they would have waited for the Audi driver to re-take their place. There's no way the Audi would have been able to overtake there if the van didn't want them to, they didn't even start moving out until the Audi had passed.
The drivers that stop before crests always get me. Not response, but on a motorcycle and once had a driver stop before a crest followed by a blind right and wave me past. No mate, I can’t see, and nether can you. Proceed and I’ll overtake you when it’s safe, believe me.
Love how the van overtook the car, then when you went past the car overtook the van to get his place back
Who doesn't love a little leapfrog once in a while?
I like that guy's style, though
I would have done the same thing, van driver's an arse.
Didn't notice that. LOL
He probably taught it was an unmarked police car and he got caught in the act
@@anonrogermoore465 Footage is probably enough for a careless/dangerous driving conviction anyway. I wonder if footage like this from other emergency vehicles goes to the police.
How you just about kept your cool with that Transit I'll never know. Major respect for that run.
Because a good driver needs to be able to stay calm. Too many issues on the road are people getting triggered by other's, or sometimes their own, mistakes, and then getting way too angry and driving recklessly as a result
All that way at that speed with no suspects in sight seems very dangerous just get the chopper out and a closer officer.
@@joski9030 Oh dear. Perhaps it's best not to try and advise people on something you know very little about. First of all, you're watching a paramedic respond to an emergency, not a police officer. Secondly, if you think that this country has the resource to just "get the chopper out" and "a closer officer" then you have a fundamental misunderstanding of how emergency resources are dispatched. Helicopters are often dispatched to remote emergencies, but they are limited in availability (often run by charities) and as per the video, Chris is taking an extended route due to diversions. We have skilled dispatchers in control rooms for the sole purpose of ensuring the most fitting resources are sent to a job. They are trained to make the most of the resource available, but they can't just create resource where it doesn't exist.
@@joski9030 I am pretty certain Chris is a medic so more a medical emergency
@@joski9030 you can literally see in the video that he is wearing a GREEN vest over plain clothes. if you have two brain cells to rub together, obviously hes not police. secondly he is obviously driving a black unmarked vehicle, but this is obviously not a police unmarked vehicle because we can see it has a light bar on top, not very inconspicuous for the police, therefore its likely a personal vehicle fitted with lights used by a high ranking ambulance or fire officer. simple observational skills, you obviously have none
Initially I thought that Serco van was doing well by continuing for a decent place to pass. Then I realised the driver was just being a moron and not using their mirrors!
Could he have been wary about fake cop cars?
@@andrewstorm8240 surely not, that's really not a thing
Now. I have a theory that the serco van was prison transport and that he wasn't allowed to stop in a place where he could get boxed in
@@GeorgeThoughts I mean it's not about fake or not. It's about procedure admittedly I have no clue on the subject but in theory. A real ambulance could pass, the serco van pulls into a small gap to let it pass and the prisoners pal parks a bigger van between serco and his exit. To help prisoner out. I'm assuming they are avoiding difficult places to pull away from thus waiting for the big gap.
@@thelostusername5013 Certainly is a possibility. It looks like a prisoner transport van (small, high-up windows in the back), and the driver pulled into what looks like a side road rather than a layby (although Google Maps shows it to be a dead-end).
03:58 love how the Audi immediately overtakes the Transit, as if to say: "you didn't deserve that spot, Idiot."
😂 I didnt see that one
typical german car drivers think they own the road
@@steve00alt70 Did you even watch the video?
@@steve00alt70 too bad that Ford is an american car brand :)
@Steve00 Alt The german car actually yielded to the emergency vehicle. What video were you commenting on lol.
As an emergency response driver myself it never ceases to amaze me the most ridiculous things people do when they see an emergency vehicle under blue lights. Probably my biggest pet peeve is people coming to a complete stop on the brow of a hill or opposite a pedestrian island. There really needs to be a module on the syllabus that teaches this when people learn to drive.
I agree! Is there anything you can share that should be common knowledge but isn't? I guess for most of us blue lights mean move to the left and slow down/stop to let them pass, but what else should I be looking out for or trying to do to help?
I agree with this completely! I do think some driving instructors on UA-cam have touched on the subject as to what to do in case of music and lights. But it would be interesting and very educational if there was an in depth discussion.
Agree 100% with the need for education.
Through watching your videos, I knew what to do the other day when I saw the blues a quarter mile back in my mirror: don't panic and don't just slam on the brakes. Instead, make sure I reach a suitable passing spot first. So I drove around the long left hander then pulled over in good time for the emergency vehicle (Police) to get safely past with plenty of visibility. Thanks for the lessons learned from your videos. They definitely help.
As driving instructors, we always teach how to deal with blue lights appropriately, but it often has to be a theoretical approach unless a real situation just happens to crop up on a lesson.
On average, learners are with us for 40ish hours before passing their test, so it doesn't always get taught in real life.
We generally signpost learners to Blue Light Aware.
Is there anything else you would suggest to help prepare people better?
Get the sense that this is because people don’t use their rear view mirror enough so the emergency v is a surprise and thus causes panic
3:44 van driver be like "oh my goodness, my lucky day! All the traffic is moving over for me!"
That's some tough driving - dangerous and frustrating at times! Much respect.
That van at 2:30 skipping out on a perfectly good and safe parking space and just driving along was incredibly frustrating to watch
yk what car he using?
This is quite a stressful blue light run. I'm glad you can keep your composure
so glad the Audi over took the van again at 3:51 😂
Perfect karma, the Audi driver must have been so ready for it.
I mean, what was that van even thinking!? Oh, I can hear sirens, and this car pulled over in front of me, I guess they're stopping so I'll just overtake them...?
Feel like I lost IQ from just witnessing that driving. :)
@@VoxelLoop Van driving was awful, but no rear view mirror and side mirrors only
plus could of had the music up or on the phone or both.
Only one mistake from Chris and that was he didn't factor that the van might over take the Audi
but otherwise great driving in a stressful narrow wet muddy pot hole road.
@@ilikechickensausages2075 Trucks/Lorries see the blue lights much faster than white van drivers.
@@ilikechickensausages2075 one reason why van mirrors are larger 😁
@@dubious6718 Only talking about this video.
Surprising by how many motorists are oblivious to their surroundings, especially the 2 van's, would be interested to know the amount of damage to your car by the potholes
Just the side mirrors don't provide anywhere near the amount of visibility of a rear view mirror, and that white van doesn't have a rear view mirror.
@@Fekillix does it also deafen you, come one, he overtook a car that stopped, didn't even look behind, or think why everyone else had pulled over, shit driving
@@hardlinefoil7532 It's a white van. He just assumed everyone had finally realised it's his road, and they'd moved out of his way ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@hardlinefoil7532 Suspect the stereo also plays a part. Music blaring or if anything like the delivery drivers round here they are often on a 'hands free' phone call and in their own world. Vans usually have large side mirrors which still allow for a lot rear view, just not directly behind you.
@@hardlinefoil7532 Unfortunately hearing damage is very common in the trades. I also have two colleagues who are actually completely deaf.
That van at 3:51? Hoooo boy. I could see the pure frustration on your face when that happened. Excellent driving, btw!
I think the van driver got a little confused as Chris turned off the siren, probably thought he could continue, but even after he turned the siren back on he sailed past a bunch of passing places anyway! God knows what they were doing. :)
@@VoxelLoop Watching something on phone and not using mirrors.
@@VoxelLoop Sound system on full blast and not using mirrors, that's usually how these things happen.
Love all the polite British hand waves! Good balance between arriving as fast as possible and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Great drive Chris. That last part down from Wallington is a relief after the twisty stuff before and actually quite safe to drive at up to legal speeds on a less busy day. :-)
I absolutely love the death stares you keep giving to the oblivious van drivers, in the older videos also!
The first van on the bend is what got me. The hint of sarcasm from Chris with the “No Problem” gesture haha
They need a hiding
@@DG-EditsYT now that’s a saying I haven’t heard in a long time
@@TMCNJ its a goodun 😂✊️
The amount of civilians who don’t say thankyou while driving is unbelievable and then there’s this guy going alone country lanes at moderately high speed blue lighting it and saying thankyou. Respect to you
Great control, good reaction to the plonker van driver but also nice to see the courtesy waves to those drivers that had helped and created space for you. That is the sign of your true professionalism, well done
Wow, fair play Chris…amazing as usual, showing total control 👍🇬🇧
That bloody serco van, they had plenty of chances to pull over safely, they weren’t paying attention, then the white van unsafe pull out on you is absolutely Atrocious
I would expect nothing less from Serco
Absolute classic Serco
Excellent video Chris and it's great to watch and learn from one of the best response drivers .. calm..collected and polite with it... Keep up the great work
I counted at least 3 places that tall van could've pulled over safely before they woke up.
Lots of respect from someone that used to see blue light runs from the back of an 18 tonne fire tanker.
Fantastic driving in very challenging circumstances!
It warms my cold heart to see so many driver try to give paramedics and such as much space as they can on a single track road.
It's of no relevance that he is a paramedic, he's driving an unmarked car. Nobody would know which service he is from.
Knowing this is your job and you take it more than serious, I love the insight you give us.
Seeing you doing this in a RRV makes me appreciate what my beloved is going through doing it in an ambulance. 👍
I'd be curious to see the difference in response from other motorists, though. An ambulance is not just any old van, it's heavy and a little less maneuverable than this but it is also very clearly marked and a lot taller. I remember the difference in driving on those backroads in the UK when we had a van vs now that we just have a car, that little difference in height makes a massive difference in how far ahead you can see and how clearly visible you are to others, even more so when that van is brightly colored and has lights in a place where you can see them over a lot of the bushes on the sides of the roads.
Definitely not trying to say that it's easy and I have incredible respect for anyone with the balls to drive like this for the sake of others, but I can imagine that the pros and cons of an ambulance vs a low, black station wagon would somewhat balance out
@@daylen577 You are correct of course concerning the visibility from the ambulance. As to the visibility of the truck, some people still manage to not see it. I was actually thinking more of the width of it when it comes to passing other vehicles on such roads. Also there is the added nuance of keeping the ride as smooth as possible when people may be working with a patient in the back.
@@raindancer6111 Oh yeah definitely, the width would make it much harder. My first time driving in the UK was in the van I mentioned and it was not at all uncommon for us to have a standoff with another driver coming at us, where eventually one of us would have to back up until we got to some farmer's gate or something. A Skoda Octavia isn't a ton less wide, but still much easier to throw around and drive up a curb, especially with not having to deal with people in the back as you said.
That Serco van must have been particularly trying.
That road looked really difficult but I must say you did it fantastically that van driver vs a bit naughty didn't get out your way very easily
Where I'm at u dont get out way they radio in and u get a nice big fine in mail 😂
Always good to see a white van in its nautral habitat, being totally oblivious to anyone around them. :)
Just like Every road on the “isle of man” , apart from the 3 or 4 main roads that cross the island , great driving on what looked like tricky conditions 👍💪🇮🇲
Well there are a lot more than 3 or 4 roads bigger than this across the island🤣
@@rhysbell8418 yes there are, but they are not major routes, they are still no more than B roads….👍
What a change in routing can do to frustration levels.. Great video!
Thanks for sharing these snippets of your day to day, but most of all, thankyou for doing what you do when you reach your destination! ❤️
People should have to sit an advanced test to drive a white van it seems.
I think we should first make sure people driving a white van pass any driving test at all. ;)
Maybe there's a 'white van exemption' in the highway code that states they don't need to pull over for emergency vehicles, can do 100mph on motorways, and don't need to stop for people at roundabouts!
Love the videos Chris! been binge watching them all day :) massive respect for you and how well you perform your job, inspiring me to take advanced drivers test. thank you and keep up the good work man !!
Not everyday the viewers teach you with how much you've been teaching us; but as some said, the van at 2:08 is a prisoner transport van most likely transporting someone.
To them it's probably bad enough they have to take a narrow country lane on an unexpected diversionary route. They can't pull over somewhere where they wouldn't have multiple escape routes. That's why he didn't stop earlier; because he can't. They have very selective policies on this. In future though you know if you see a van like that, especially with that Serco writing, you'll probably need to give it more time and room than you might expect others to need.
I'm pleased to see most people know how to react, I'm surprised not more people cock it up based on what I've seen on dashcam videos, you are clearly a skilled driver with the right mentality which you can't say for a lot of drivers out there, keep up the good work.
I felt every one of those pot holes 😣 q. Can you use main beam headlight flash when blue lights activated or does the “wig-wag” override them? The reason I ask is because main beam headlights are more directional and may alert road users better?
He used high-beams on the white van when he got frustrated.
Emergency vehicles in Norway use them all the time.
EEAST used to have headlight flashers built in to the lighting pack, but they were taken off as they were burning through too many bulbs and costing too much money, so now everyone just flashes their headlights manually
Everyone is talking about the transit, this one got me thinking “seriously?” And also made me chuckle 1:31 I can’t quite see if there was good visibility here, but on approaching the corner you could see the road across the field. Surely this van saw Chris coming 🤔
Great run though, superb driving skill 👍🏼
I'm american and I enjoy watching these POVs so much its like he is playing a video game In real life... all the scenery and nature and green land and european cars...its soo cool
Seeing that control is beautiful, reminds me of advanced driving myself but to a whole other level.
I winced every time your offside suspension got beaten up by a pothole. Great drive mind, as usual ice cool.
The same thing happened as the van at 4:50, The seat had saw the blue light and indicated to move over so the ford overtakes then pulls in after!
This looks incredibly stressful and dangerous. I get stressed just watching this.
Doesn't look stressful as long as you are experienced driver 🤷♂️
@@tomaszek8888 oh, I can’t drive
Its like driving on Exmoor during the summer, when all the grockles are out about on the roads, frustrating.
I would like to say that Chris is a Great driver . However I would also like to say, how impressed I am, with the behaviour of the vast majority of UK drivers . Congratulations to the British motorist .
Amazing driving and patience Chris!
Hi Chris,
Great driving as per usual! Obviously a job such as yours is one where you probably never stop learning, particularly with how to handle some of the driving displayed in this video, but just curious as to how long the training takes from first starting off to being comfortable enough to go out on your own.
Thanks for the sharing the clips and for the great work you do. Our local service sadly lost a paramedic during a call not that far away from myself, and I think it’s sometimes easy for road users to forget how dangerous your job actually is. Your clips are a great tool in informing drivers on how to be helpful and make your drives all the more safer!
As a fellow emergency services worker I love your videos! Great driving and love the way you keep calm which is literally the best way to drive safely on blues 😀
Love watching these videos. Funny how you can drive THAT well at high speed, but most others cant even drive half decently at normal speeds.
I love watching these videos and I’m a brand new driver so I try and keep a look out for emergency vehicles and remember not to panic.
Yeah, didn’t happen 😂 saw one coming when I was driving home from work for the first time, in the dark for the first time.
Completely panicked like omg where do I pull over I’m coming towards a roundabout omg. Only to realise I was in wrong lane of roundabout, so went that way instead, only to see the ambulance wanted to go that way too lmao, panicked and pulled over in a bus stop 😭😭😭 oh and I accidentally put my full beams on and blinded some drivers.
0/10
Butttt the next time I saw an ambulance, I calmly braked and just pulled over :) lol.
Lol. I suppose experiences like that might make you a better driver in the long run 🙂
A neat trick if you are approaching a roundabout and there's an emergency vehicle behind you is to just go all the way around the roundabout. The emergency vehicle can then take the exit they need while you are going round and you won't end up blocking them.
Full beams and window wipers. Don't forget the wipers xD Been there done that.
If you’re approaching somewhere you can pull in and you can speed up and pull in before they get to you then go for it. If there’s no where to pull in but it’s a wide road just slow down if there’s no one on the other side of the road, if there is people on the other side then come to a stop in a reasonable manner. If you’re on a tight country road I’d say just keep driving until you reach a point you think they can pass and try not to panic while they’re behind you (maybe speed up a little if you feel confident enough but don’t feel forced to speed up if you feel unsafe), it’s very rare to see an emergency vehicle with lights on in country roads though.
@@richardevans8908 thank you :)
Tough drive, you must get to the scene pumping with adrenaline. Must be tough to keep yourself level headed and in check. Props to the hard work!
How beautiful the scenery is😍
Can you do a video on what drivers can do to help emergency services vehicles please, like where to stop and what the different tones mean. Loving the videos, great job!
Don't stop before a top like the vehicle at the end did.
Don't stop in a blind curve either.
Its just common sense really. Don't stop in places where you cant see in front of you.
Different tones don't mean anything different, they are just different to get peoples attention.
Common sense is pull over to the left as soon as possible.
@@dubious6718 sadly common sense is only common in name.
@@dubious6718 The shorter tones (known as yelp/phaser) are directional tones so should be used upon the arrival at a hazard (e.g. a junction). The longer tone (Wail) due to its frequency and tone sends the noise further into the distance, to be used between hazards.
@@TheRCBiker Yes, but for us it doesn't change anything. We still have to yield.
There’s a calmness about the driving that I really like .
Great viewing, as an ex driving tester (Ireland) it is great to watch someone in total tune with the job in hand, if only everyone paid bloody attention to driving as they do with their bloody phones
Ah! Wallington.
Just after 2.00 there is a letterbox in a wall. The house to the left is where George Orwell was living when he wrote Animal Farm. The farm on the right just before you get there is Manor Farm. Probably no coincidence that the farm in the book is also called Manor Farm.
Hey really like your videos, new sup here. To your little hint for the rally drivers, a lot of prep goes into it, stage prep, where can the weather be a factor, tires that can last 2-4 stages, and most importantly the roads are closed, plus they go to 98% of the limit, where you go to about 50% in good conditions, plus you need to do the prep on the fly, the traffic, and are responsible for not creating accidents, even if a van pulls out in front of you....
This is what I think of when imagining UK country roads, very beautiful landscape.
Beautiful scenery indeed but sadly these roads are being destroyed by the likes of Google maps directing people down them. They are single track only meant for the local residents. Now the verges are destroyed by people pushing past where there aren't passing places. All the extra traffic creates potholes to.
@@Ed.R oh no
What has the world come too where roads are now actually being used.....
@@Alucard-gt1zf Perhaps there's a slight difference between being used and over used. Used by people who should be sticking to main roads instead of short cutting. Single track roads have a low capacity incase you have never used one.
@@Alucard-gt1zf Driving on roads like that is a completely different type of driving to driving around towns and cities. The countryside is becoming increasingly accessible these days (almost too accessible), so there is an influx of people who simply don't know how to drive on them (and display a level of ignorance that simply doesn't work). People are more than welcome to use the roads , but learn how to do it properly.
@Nicky L I understand that's the case in this video but my comment was directed at the bigger picture. I've seen it myself, single track roads that were 10 years ago quiet country lanes, now popular rat runs pushed well past there capacity.
Patience of a saint 😂 so frustrating when people aren't looking or aware!!
Brow of the hill looked a bit like they were trying to pick the widest spot but the two vans really take the biscuit. I've had the misfortune to have been driving artics to farms a few times and been totally snookered when it comes to pulling over enough to allow a set of blues to pass for a mile or so but it's a different ballgame entirely when you're pulling 44 tonnes and 60 foot long compared to a car.
Would have thought the "SERCO prison transport van" would have moved over sooner? 🤣 Considering!
Cannot BELIEVE the amount of adversity you faced on this drive...OK, well, I can actually. Handled excellently, as always.
Is it common for responders to turn on their lights/sirens heading back to the hospital/police station where the vehicles are stored, just to get off work a bit more early?
Another good drive Chris, next time the Octavia is in the workshop maybe worth getting the alloys checked, couple of awful pothole strikes there. I run a Superb on 18’s and it’s bloody awful over potholes and I have 2 damaged wheels.
Will do thanks, and an alignment check as well!
Highlights the diverse levels of driving skills, or lack of in the public, while some pull in, others with small minded focus try to gain an extra few meters and block your rightful safe passage. As for the serco driver, time to re think a professional driving career and learn what mirrors are for. Fantastic job staying calm even with the challenges.
I can't remember the exact rules but it's a prisoner transport van and they're not obliged to stop if doing so puts their own safety at risk. Look closely - they have definitely seen Chris and actively deny a couple of passing places where they could otherwise be hijacked.
Would you be able to do a seperate video on this talking us through it? It's very interesting observing the reaction from these vehicles and how on more than one occasion cars/vans were overtaking due to the early reactions of other motorists, do you think this is because most of these drivers were on an unfamiliar road due to the road closure? I'm sure there must be a link to this factor and the poor observations from other motorists? Would be interested to hear your thoughts
Unfamiliar roads might play a part, but I think it's mostly just people being completely oblivious to their surroundings. Too many people just look in front and don't bother to check their mirrors often. If you then also have music on, you won't hear the siren either. At least the white van was probably just completely oblivious to the presence of Chris and didn't bother to think for a second why the car in front of them might have pulled over.
You will need a wheel alignment and was surprised you didn't pop a tyre on the pot holes.
Probably have run flat tires.
It's crazy how little some people pay attention when driving.
Il faut vraiment être un crétin pour ne pas essayer de trouver un moyen pour se ranger rapidement.
Il y a de quoi éprouver de la frustration et un brin de colère.
Un excellent parcours maîtrisé. Et l'esprit toujours alerte, afin d'anticiper de probables situations.
That white van had so many options to get clear. That’s literally life or death.
Amazing how bad driving standards are in the UK... car pulls in because they've seen or heard you approaching from behind, yet vehicles that overtake said cars that are pulling in clearly aren't doing proper mirror checks before their manoeuvre's. (White van @ 3:50 and white car at 4:45)
Now consider that that driving standards in the UK are far better than in much of the world.
When I passed my test we were taught Mirror Signal Manoeuvrer, not sure if they still do that.
Great video Chris if you ever find time could you create a video explaining a bit about your job what sort of calls you respond to the kind of education you need etc.. either way really appreciate the videos as they help me get more comfortable hearing sirens behind me and moving correctly for the driver to progress
Lots of numpties making a fool out of 'emselves there! Well done Chris
I can see why your good at your job. Cool and calm when others frustrate you
From an A grade road to an S (stuffed lane) road gotta be tough driving could see some frustration there !
do van drivers not use their mirrors at all? or is it just hard to see out of vans cause theirs no centre mirror or back window?
You are one of the slower drivers. You are often too polite. But thank you a lot for all the videos.
CHRIS, HOW ARE YOU ?? .. WHEN ARE YOU POSTING MORE VIEOS ?? REALLY ENJOY WATCHING ..
Fantastic driving skills. The Ford transit had ample room to move over. Would like to have seen more of the cars indicate as they pulled over, but maybe i couldn't see it on the video.
Can't beat a country lane. Mid Wales is packed with em.
Another great video Chris, the reputation of the “White van man” reconfirmed twice!
Too much terrible awareness and poor driving there from lots of other road users. You and you car must have aged significantly on that run. It's great to see this from your perspective and thanks for sharing.
man i love these kind of videos, cant even describe why
It amazes me how many people's first response to the car in front doing odd things is to overtake. Not to slow down, take a moment and think "why have they done that?"
Felt those pot holes as much as you did :)
There's a bit of poetic irony in a Serco van causing trouble and holding up a public service.
I’m surprised you didn’t lose a tyre on those potholes. I got through 3 tyres in 6 months on my VRS with the 19” rims!
I would be interested to see the speedo during these types of roads, curious as to the speed differences through corners.
Nice driving by SERCO (not) and how many love stopping on brow of hills or on bends! amazing driving (do feel sorry for the car after some potholes) Keep safe!
Man theses roads look like my driveway haha crazy small for a two lane!! Nice driving my man get them bad guys!!
Great driving, and “mostly” good driving by the other road users too 🤣
I hate driving country lanes, particularly down in Devon and Corwall. Does not help having a SUV. Quite often if meeting a bus or lorry coming the other way, it involves reversing and finding a place to allow the other vehicle to pass. I think they worked very well in horse and cart days. Great driving by the ambulance officer.
Absolutely incredible driving. I genuinely don’t think people realise how good you are. That speed on those roads was next level driving. I bet you are top boy amongst your own.
Excellent use of Due Regard.
A lot of people are giving the van driver at 3:53 a hard time. I'm not saying what they did was right, but the way the Audi driver stomped on the breaks and stopped in the centre of the passing place might be why the van swerved and pulled in front instead. Audi driver was more concerned with getting themselves out of the way, instead of moving to a place where those behind them could as well. If the van was just trying to overtake to get one place ahead, I don't think they would have waited for the Audi driver to re-take their place. There's no way the Audi would have been able to overtake there if the van didn't want them to, they didn't even start moving out until the Audi had passed.
Great training experience. Well done 👍🏻
It's important that they've got a panoramic sunroof! Just kidding, great job and very cool to look at!!!
That is a one hell of busy county road
Busiest country road Ive ever seen! Where was this!
The drivers that stop before crests always get me. Not response, but on a motorcycle and once had a driver stop before a crest followed by a blind right and wave me past. No mate, I can’t see, and nether can you. Proceed and I’ll overtake you when it’s safe, believe me.
those potholes physically hurt just watching. 😵💫
Damnnn he go like it’s a racing track…good skills.