India is known for its insensitive and callous motorists who deny passage to emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire-engine and police control room vans. Even when caught, usually they get away by bribing the Traffic Policeman or pay fine and continue with their right to break traffic rules. Delhi has now come up with a new rule which under section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Act will impose a fine of Rs.100 on vehicles that do not allow passage to emergency vehicles. In fact, we do not need fine, but a bit more of common sense and responsibility from our citizens. Hence, these elements are missing; a strict rule and heavier fine may work. Most of the motorists complain that they were unable to give passage to an ambulance because they were stuck in traffic. Let us not harp on excuses, but find a solution to the problem. Here are 4 ways to give the right of passage to an ambulance even when you are stuck in traffic. Add more through comments if you have any more ideas.

Stop Parking On Roads

No cyclist in India has ever been able to ride in bicycle on the lane reserved for him/her because it has been used to park vehicles as soon as it gets reserved. Parking on the side of roads should be prohibited. It narrows the lanes creating traffic jam which hinders the passage of ambulance even when other motorists try to co-operate. If whole of the left side of the road is occupied by parked vehicles, motorists will have tough time allowing safe passage to the ambulance.

If you are stuck because of a parked vehicle that made it difficult for the ambulance to pass, report it to the traffic police. Stern measures should be taken against the vehicles that narrow the lanes by parking on side of the road.

Move To Left

We all have been spectators to the drama of the reaction of people on road to an approaching ambulance. Not many are bothered about giving way to the ambulance and moving to the left, instead they stare at it with bewilderment, as though the siren is giving clues of some amusement unfolding in front of them. If there is a traffic controller present, he joins the onlookers without doing anything much as well.

People have to understand that there is a life at stake in the ambulance. Awareness should be spread among the motorists that they should move to the left once they hear the siren, so that the right side will be made free for the ambulance to pass through. People who do not follow this rule should not be ignored by other pedestrians and motorists; instead, they should be made aware about the gravity of the situation and should be reported.