Just within a week, I have seen two instances of ambulances, with siren on, having to stop at traffic lights because vehicles with right of way refuse to give way.

In the first instance along Corporation Road, the light had just turned red and the ambulance stopped, but sounded its siren. I suspect the drivers at the junction where the light had just turned green, were not sure what to do, since the ambulance made no further indication to move. Although it tried to move forward later, the ongoing traffic did not stop to give way.

The second instance was also along Corporation Road, in similar circumstances. However, this was during morning rush hour, and the road was slightly jammed. This meant, without priority, the ambulance could be set back a further 10 to 15minutes.

A minute gained can mean life or death to the patient in the ambulance. Drivers must learn to be gracious on the road, especially to ambulances on duty.

Ambulance drivers should also be more proactive on the road. At traffic junctions, besides sounding their siren, they should move forward slowly to 'force' other drivers to stop.

Low Mei Mei