'Recipe for disaster': Road rule about double white lines sparks debate

Social media users have been left divided after being quizzed on whether it was ever acceptable to cross double white lines.

In a question from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads on Monday, Facebook users were asked if a car could ever legally cross double white lines in the middle of the road into oncoming traffic.

The department shared a graphic of a hypothetical situation, showing a green car travelling in the right lane surrounded by heavy traffic with a fire truck behind it with its blue and red lights illuminated.

“Is the green car allowed to cross over onto the wrong side of the road to give way to the emergency vehicle?” the post read.

Hundreds of people left comments expressing their opinions, with many arguing it was never safe to cross the double lines and others saying it would be allowed in an emergency situation.

“Nope all vehicles should pull into the left lane. Driving on the wrong side of the road is a recipe for disaster,” one person wrote.

“No, the driver is not [allowed] to break the law in that situation,” another agreed.

“It's not safe, might cause more casualties than the ones that the emergency vehicle is going to help,” a third person said.

In a comment later added to the post, the department revealed it was in fact acceptable to cross the double white lines to get out of the path of emergency vehicles.

• 'I wasn't ready to die': Motorcycle crash victim's battle to beat road trauma

• Deputy PM backs lower speed limits to reduce emissions, improve road safety

• Harsh new penalties in force from today for 'reckless' act on roads

“Giving way to emergency vehicles should always be done with the utmost care. Make sure you're looking after your own safety (and everyone else's on the road) first,” the update read.

“Watch out for police, fire and ambulance vehicles by being alert to your surroundings, looking ahead and checking your mirrors regularly.”

Some were surprised by the rule, which included being allowed to pass through a red light to get out of the way, while others said they were already aware of it.

“Always let emergency services through as safely and quickly as possible, it might be your family they're going to rescue,” one person wrote.

“I would say it is the case of the lesser of two evils. Do anything it is safe to do to get out of the road of emergency vehicles,” another said.

Others expressed concern at the apparent lack of knowledge on the topic from fellow drivers.

“Isn’t it a worry to see people’s responses and know we drive amongst them,” one person wrote.

Some were puzzled over what they should do if they were subsequently issued a traffic fine for passing through a red light or crossing into oncoming traffic.

The department encouraged people to contest any infringement they received and cite their Facebook post.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.