JOIN USThe traffic police are mulling over penalising motorists obstructing the path of an ambulance on the City roads.
Taking cue from their Delhi counterparts, the City cops will shortly implement a rule to ensure a hassle-free and safe drive for both ambulances and commuters.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, M N Babu Rajendra Prasad, DCP, Traffic (East), said: “We are aware that Delhi has implemented this rule and the same is being planned in Bengaluru. We will initiate a discussion with senior police officers and check how this rule can be implemented and how violators can be identified. It can also apply to other emergency vehicles such as fire engines and police vehicles.”
Usually, when there is heavy traffic and an ambulance is not able to make its way through traffic, motorists try to squeeze in and make way for themselves instead of clearing the for emergency vehicle, said another senior police officer.
Sometimes, motorists do not make way for ambulances despite the road being free, he said. “Motorists also speed behind an ambulance just to get a clear way. This can be very dangerous not only for the emergency vehicle, but also for other motorists.
This particular rule may bring in some road discipline among motorists. We will also take suggestions from hospitals and ambulance service providers before we go ahead,” he said.
Several ambulance drivers have complained of not being given way when on emergency call. Recently, a young motorcyclist, who followed an ambulance to avoid traffic, suffered grievous injuries after he rammed the two-wheeler into the rear of the ambulance, which applied sudden brakes. Several such cases have been reported, police sources said.
DCP Prasad said the main objective of implementing the rule was to create awareness among road users. “We do not want to levy any fine or send notices to the violators of the rule. But this will be discussed and then a decision will be made. At least, a few of them make way as soon as they hear the ambulance siren.”
DH News Service