Emergency Corridor (Rescue Lane)

When and How Is an Emergency Corridor Formed?

An emergency corridor (rescue lane) is a specially created passage on roads both inside and outside built-up areas to allow emergency vehicles to pass quickly and reach the scene of an accident. Here are the key reasons why forming an emergency corridor is so important:

• Fast access for emergency services: Ambulance services, fire departments, and police can reach the accident scene more quickly and begin their work  immediately. Every minute can save lives.
• Reduced response time: The faster emergency responders arrive, the sooner they can initiate life-saving measures.
• Safety for injured persons and helpers: A properly formed emergency corridor reduces the risk of secondary accidents and ensures a safer environment for first responders and emergency personnel.
• Legal obligation: In many countries, including Germany, forming an emergency corridor is required by law. Failure to comply may result in severe penalties.

Within Built-Up Areas

In urban areas, it is essential to form an emergency corridor as soon as emergency vehicles approach. Extreme caution is required. Even at a red traffic light at a crossroads, drivers should proceed carefully if necessary to make space. If bicycle lanes or sidewalks are nearby, they may be used in an emergency to clear the way.

It is important that vehicles are able to maneuver at any time in order to react flexibly. Therefore, even at red traffic lights, drivers should keep sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of them.

Outside Built-Up Areas

On multi-lane rural roads and highways, forming an emergency corridor is crucial. As soon as traffic congestion begins and you approach the end of a traffic jam, an emergency corridor must be formed in the middle of the lanes.

The rule is simple:
Vehicles in the left lane move as far to the left as possible, while vehicles in all other lanes move as far to the right as possible. This creates a clear passage for emergency vehicles.

A simple way to remember this is to imagine your right hand on the highway:
Your thumb represents the left lane, and your other fingers represent the remaining lanes. The emergency corridor is always formed between your thumb and index finger.

Additional Information

The time between receiving the emergency call and the arrival of emergency medical services should be between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on local conditions and whether the incident occurs in an urban or rural area.

The emergency corridor is not formed only when you hear or see an emergency vehicle. It must be created in advance so that emergency vehicles can pass through immediately without delay.

Conclusion

Providing first aid and forming an emergency corridor are essential measures in road traffic. They make a significant contribution to saving lives and increasing the efficiency of emergency responders. By following these rules and being trained in first aid, we can all make an important contribution to road safety.