Salam everyone!
I wanna discuss a common issue, giving way to Ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Well, in Pakistan, I am sure you have noticed that when ever you hear the siren blaring behind you, I am sure you being a sensible and responsible citizen would do your best to give way, since it has the Right of Way.
You would either change lane or do your best effort to give way.
Sadly, not everyone thinks like that.
I have witnessed myself, a teenager boy in a Mehran on Jail Road, Faisalabad, reading a book or probably doing his homework w/e while driving, in the far right lane, the middle lane congested with bikes, rickshaws and what not, just doing his thing. Ignoring the horn by other drivers, the Ambulance and the lights being flashed.
After a few moments, a biker came next to the car and you know, said a few swear words to him. After that, he realized ' O chit, there's an Ambulance behind me!' Then he gave way. This event carried on for about 25 seconds.
When a Patient needs acute treatment, every second counts.
For those living in Faisalabad and if you happen to be on Satiyana road in the rush hour, it takes the Ambulance about 3-4 minutes to cross a stretch of 500M.
Why so? There are 3 lanes. 1 Lane is blocked by cars, rickshaws and everything else you can think of.
Then you have Lane 2. That is slow moving traffic, cars dropping off passengers to shops etc.
Then you have Lane 3. That's the lane used for people to get from one end to the other. Sadly, the Ambulance is stuck in that lane as well.
Even if someone wished to give way, that person wouldn't be able to!
Emergency lanes are a must!
I personally believe that all Emergency vehicles should have functional cameras installed and recording. A team should review the footage and fine who ever doesn't give way, except if the person is not in the situation to do so.
Another issue- Some Emergency vehicles abuse theirs status and role. I.e turning on the Siren at Red lights and congested areas, fooling us to think that they are on a run. That is wrong and extremely stupid. That leads a person to Not give way next time. I would've felt cheated as well.
Then we have those who tell the driver to drive faster- That is dangerous. These vehicles are tall and shouldn't be driven so fast, especially at turns and corners.
Anyways, I suck at making threads.
? Too long didn't read ?: Next time you don't give way to Emergency vehicles and you're fully capable to do so, remember that, god forbid, how would you feel if someone you were close to or a beloved one was in the Ambulance and others didn't give way? Yup- Karma's a Beach.
Jazakallah for your time.
In my next post, I'll embed a video from India, demonstrating the issues they face and how things are done, Abroad.