Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (CDS)
Abu Dhabi, Jun 27: To allow efficient response to emergencies and critical incidents, motorists are called to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles through a social media campaign launched by the National Ambulance.
The UAE Ministry of Interior has made efforts to raise a nationwide public awareness campaign, which the National Ambulance is joining, showing via a short video the dangers of not making way for emergency vehicles, as well as imposing stricter measures to assure drivers follow the provisions and laws.
As per Emirates247, Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, CEO of National Ambulance said, “Working together as emergency partners under the Ministry of Interior’s umbrella, we are able to make this a successful campaign and serve the best interest of the nation.”
He added, “Our common objective is to instil a culture of good driving behaviour and readiness to give our crews the right of way, allowing us to pass. We urge motorists to act responsibly on the road and follow the positive driving attitudes we are promoting via this campaign and support emergency responders - ambulance, police and civil defence - in effectively responding to emergency situations.”
“Every second is critical in an emergency. The advice we are raising through our video and other elements in our campaign fall in line with MoI’s strategic objectives to achieve the highest levels of traffic safety and enhance the efficiency of emergency response, thus contributing to the protection of lives and property and the decrease of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents, as well as the achievement of a safe road environment,” said Al Hajeri, as per Emirates 247.
In the event of an emergency vehicle, the campaign insists motorists monitor their driving behaviour not to hinder the emergency vehicles' smooth and quick passage.
Some of the pointers include maintaining a calm, avoiding panic, slowing the vehicle down, shifting to the right or left lanes when it is safe to move the vehicle, as well as using the light indicators. Motorists are urged to carefully make way without endangering their own or other’s lives.
Based on the observations of on-field ambulance crew, National Ambulance requests motorists to avoid indulging in bad or rash driving that poses a threat to everyone using the road. Some of these include using the hard shoulder and more specifically following ambulances to get out of traffic. The emergency medical provider emphasises that the hard shoulder is specifically for emergency vehicles and should be clear at all times in case of emergencies. Distracted driving, increasing traffic congestion by slowing down at accident scenes and rubbernecking, all make the list for unwarranted driving.