Boston EMS says viral video of Range Rover tailgating ambulance is ‘very concerning’

Drive around Boston long enough, and you’ll be sure to come across some colorful language and creative maneuvers. After all, this city is home to some of the worst traffic in the world. 

However, video of one traffic encounter between a Range Rover and a Boston EMS ambulance has racked up thousands of views online, turning heads on the Reddit message board r/IdiotsInCars. 

In the video, posted by user soundwavin, the SUV can be seen tailgating the ambulance down Congress Street in downtown Boston. Its emergency lights and sirens activated, the ambulance abruptly brakes as it crosses Hanover Street, prompting the SUV to do the same. The Range Rover appears to come to a stop mere inches from the ambulance’s rear bumper. 

[OC] EMS with its emergency lights+sirens on fed up with being tailgated
byu/soundwavin inIdiotsInCars

Below the video, soundwavin explained the incident was captured on a bicycle helmet camera back in May. In another comment, the Reddit user added that the Range Rover driver was about one or two car lengths behind the ambulance when it braked suddenly. 

“He was just stone cold staring forward with his sun glasses on,” soundwavin wrote. “No facial reaction or arms up in the air or anything. Just sort of stone cold forward look like ‘ok, then.’”

While comments below the video ranged from punny to incredulous, Boston EMS spokesperson Caitlin McLaughlin said tailgaters are a reality EMTs and paramedics face in Boston traffic. 

“It is very concerning to see a driver tailing that closely to one of our ambulances that is actively responding to a call,” McLaughlin said in an email. “By law in Massachusetts, drivers should not be within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on. This helps protect the safety of our members and our patients. The driver seen in this video was well within 300 feet.”

Violators face a fine of up to $100, under state law.

“The unfortunate reality is that our EMTs and Paramedics do face situations like this in Boston traffic,” McLaughlin said. “The best way the public can help our crews is for drivers to pull over when they see lights and sirens and to stay 300 feet back of our trucks.”

Abby Patkin

Staff Writer

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.

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