Since the implementation of a system in the city allowing no penalties for violations if yielding to ambulances in 2014, more drivers in Shenzhen have formed the habit to make way for ambulances, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported Wednesday.
Zhou Shuang, an ambulance driver with Shenzhen Center for Prehospital Care, told the Daily that he is most worried about taking too long to rescue patients due to traffic congestion when helping those in need.
However, Zhou said that the majority of drivers, especially experienced drivers, will now immediately try to make way when ambulance drivers honk their horn.
“Drivers will move their cars to the roadside under the red traffic light. Even when there is limited space, drivers will still try to make as much room for us as possible. This enables more time for doctors to save patients,” said Zhou.
All ambulances in Shenzhen have been equipped with a system that connects in-vehicle cameras with the city’s traffic police system to allow drivers who violate traffic rules while giving way to an ambulance to be free of punishment, according to Zhou.
In the past six months, records show that a total of 331 vehicles have moved aside to allow ambulances to get through.
The system aims to raise the public’s awareness to make way for ambulances, according to the municipal traffic authority.
“Related regulations require drivers to make way for ambulances. Those who refuse to do so will be fined 1,000 yuan (US$147) and receive three penalty points,” said the authority.
The normal way that car drivers make way for an ambulance is to make a 45-degree turn.
When driving in front of an ambulance in slow traffic with other lanes available for use, drivers should change lanes to let the ambulance pass.
If there is only one lane, drivers should speed up to make way for an ambulance when driving in front of it, or pull over if it is possible.