What is the main focus when preparing to overtake a vehicle?

The main focus when preparing to overtake a vehicle is to assess the surrounding road conditions. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the ambulance crew and other road users. By evaluating factors such as road visibility, the speed of oncoming traffic, the presence of pedestrians, and any potential hazards, you can make an informed decision about when and how to overtake safely. Proper assessment helps to minimize risks associated with the maneuver and allows for effective planning of the overtake, ensuring that it is carried out in a controlled and safe manner.

In contrast, signaling only if the lane is clear overlooks the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of the surroundings prior to signaling. Speeding up before the maneuver can increase the risk of losing control or misjudging the overtaking distance, which can endanger everyone involved. Maintaining close proximity to the vehicle you're overtaking lacks a necessary understanding of the space required for a safe maneuver, as being too close can lead to collisions if any sudden actions are required by either vehicle.