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Emergency vehicles in Dorset have been trialling a new siren which, it is claimed, will reduce the number of accidents and car insurance claims on the UK's roads.

After years of hearing the wails and yelps of traditional sirens, people driving in Dorset have recently been hearing the ear-shattering shriek of The Piercer.

The new siren is designed to grab the attention of motorists who may be listening to a stereo on full volume, have sound proofing in their car and even those with double-glazed windows.

The Dorset Ambulance service has reported that the new siren has reduced road accidents caused by vehicles on call since its introduction and it could soon go national.

Its success is not down to volume, but rather the number of times it loops per minute. Current sirens repeat 55 times per minute, with two different tones, while The Piercer repeats 650 times per minute.

"It appears to be much more effective than the American style 'wail' or 'yelp' that we have become familiar with," said David Williams, chief executive of road safety champion GEM Motoring Assist.

Mr Williams went on to say that once the siren is heard it is important drivers know what action to take.

"Drivers need to be disciplined in the way they respond to such vehicles and our advice would be; pull over into a clear space if it is safe to do so but do not make the situation worse by coming to a halt and blocking the road – remember the emergency vehicle may need access to a side road.

"In some cases it may be better to continue for a short distance until a favourable spot is found," he added.

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