(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Drivers have been urged to be aware of what is going on around them Police have issued fresh warning against motorists failing to give way to ambulances and emergency vehicles after dozens of drivers were fined in the capital last year for not letting emergency vehicles pass.
Abu Dhabi Police said 97 cases of drivers not giving way to emergency vehicles were recorded in 2016.
The Director of Emergency and Public Safety Department at Abu Dhabi Police, Colonel Mohammad Ibrahim Al Amiri said: "Blocking or not giving way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles is an uncivilized behaviour which leads to delay in reaching accident or fire scenes to save lives."
He said drivers should pull to the side of the road to let ambulance teams pass and reach quickly to patients or accident victims.
"Drivers failing to give way for emergency vehicles put people's lives in danger," said Al Ameri.
"A rushing ambulance means someone's life is in danger and a motorist can help save that life by giving way so that there is no delay in the treatment."
"Drivers should make sure that they move out of the way when they see emergency vehicles, especially ambulances."
Police use patrol cameras to catch the violators and motorists caught blocking emergency vehicles are fined Dh500 and incur four black points on their driver's licence.
Drivers have been urged to be aware of what is going on around them and give way to emergency vehicles.
Police also warned motorists against driving on the hard shoulder stressing that it was designated for emergency vehicles only.
According to police, despite motorists and congestion sometimes causing problems, ambulance response times across Abu Dhabi have improved significantly over the recent years.
Police said they have also launched several awareness campaigns to educate the public about the need to give way to ambulances and how to respond to provide first aid to those who may get injured or fall ill.
MENAFN2302201700490000ID1095264477
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.