Motorists on Mumbai's roads are insensitive: Ambulance drivers

Siren-blaring ambulances rushing patients for emergency medical care often struggle to reach their destination because motorists, particularly the younger lot, block their way on city roads, a study has found.

Bikers, private cars, and autos lead this group of insensitive motorists, according to Radhee Foundation, which spoke to 15 ambulance operators, and over 100 ambulance drivers in Mumbai and Thane. The non-profit was associated with the recently concluded the Transport Department's Road Safety Fortnight.

Seven of ten autos do not change lanes for an ambulance and the three-wheelers often drive on the lane meant for fast-moving vehicles. Around 60 percent of drivers associated with cab aggregators and bikers do not pay heed to the siren, found the study. "These are basic data. A detailed report will be prepared in a week's time," said Dr Rita Savla, founder, Radhee Foundation.

Among private cars, owners of bigger vehicles and those with chauffeurs take efforts to make way for ambulances. Motorists in the age group of 20 and 30 years show brazen disregard for the life-saving job being carried out by ambulances. Nearly, 65 percent private vehicles do not let ambulances pass. "The ambulance drivers have told us that these vehicles trail them which is equally risky. Few bikers though inform the vehicles in front of an ambulance coming from behind," said Savla.

The city had an estimated 31 lakh vehicles, including 17.72 lakh two-wheelers, as of March 2017. The road network of Mumbai has not grown beyond 2000 kms for years now.

The black and yellow taxis and BEST buses are better off, with 40 percent and 20 percent respectively not budging from their lane. The ambulance drivers have given reasons like traffic and wrongly parked vehicles for delaying them, said Savla.

"There is a need for awareness and education about the same. It's not just autos but even private cars that do not allow ambulances. We are ready to train drivers if someone wants to collaborate," said Shashank Rao of Mumbai Auto Rickshawmen's Union.

Transport Rishi Agarwal said the government should use social media to make motorists more aware. The Metro work, pre-monsoon repairs, and other works have narrowed road, creating more hurdles for ambulances, he said.

"We have been focusing on this aspect of 'give way to ambulance' for which we are also asking motor driving schools to teach the same," said Shekhar Channe, transport commissioner.