StonedChipmunk wrote: In cases like those, you can't be too prepared. Next thing you know, a load of kids run into the street 10 ft in front of you.
Well, that could happen to any vehicle.
It would be the fault of those little Darwin Award winners running out into the street.
Anything can happen.
Thats why I am always expecting the worst and looking for it.
StonedChipmunk wrote:Understand that you're risking human lives by not giving a blast of the siren occasionally.
Now, an alternative is to use the horn instead of the siren. If you sound the horn every few seconds people will get the message
Yes. Good idea! I often tap the vehicle horn instead of blaring the siren. Especially when nearing hospitals - which are "Quiet Zones".
StonedChipmunk wrote:I'd love to see those camcorder videos.
Would be interesting to receive your critiques.
StonedChipmunk wrote:... If you were going over the speed limit I'd force you to sound the siren,
I must admit you have a good point! -IF I am breaking a law.
I am silent whenever possible; when my lane is vacant; if I am below the speed limit; or approaching a major intersection where I'll be turning right.
Rather than ruining traffic flow, often I am able to sneak a right turn on red while cross traffic has green left arrows.
If I blare the siren, many vehicles, which would not be in my way, stop.
This ruins traffic flow and makes pollution.
Also, some vehicles in front of me move right, blocking the lane I was planning to use.
Others drivers stay put.
Now everything is blocked and I'm stuck behind all of it.
StonedChipmunk wrote:but if you go under the speed limit then it's not neccessary. But, the patient waiting (or the patient in the truck) would be pretty pissed to find out that you went under the speed limit.
Som times, one must go less than the speed limit because of traffic or road conditions.
Most drivers hear the siren and respond well. But there maybe one who doesn't hear it or respond correctly. Though everyone else stops, you have to slow because of that one (sometimes dumb) driver.