Tailgating an Ambulance--Right or Wrong?

[shishirbn]

We have seen lot of instances where we are stuck in a traffic jam and suddenly an ambulance comes in but is stuck on the last lane. Some how police make way for that to pass through and we see suddenly there are bunch of vehicles tailgating the ambulance and try to pass through the crowd.

Why I am asking this??. Today I saw the same scene and got confused and wanted to know if it was a right thing to do or not?

Thanks

[mclaren1885]

Ambulances have the right of the way, they should be allowed to break any traffic law (except for running over other poeple) because what they are trying to do is save a life. Infact, its a pity to see some morons blocking an ambulance not giving it way .

Tailgating an ambulance is something one must not do. It could lead to detrimental circumstances.

Talking about ambulances, in my recent trip to Chennai I was shocked to see an ambulance with a patient not being allowed to cross a signal on airport road thanks to a motorcade of some politician going along that way. It was downright disgusting to see the ambulance driver, assistant and the family members pleading the cop to let them go.

When I mentioned this to a few friends, they said about a week back, 3 kids hired an ambulance and were smoking drugs and drinking alcohol inside an ambulance. The only instructions the driver got was, stop nowhere. I don't know what kicks those 3 morons got out of it, eventually it landed them all in jail. And now all the ambulances are having to face this treatment since then I am told. Seriously sad state of affairs.

[Ripper]

No confusion shishir!
Following/tailgating an ambulance is recommended only if you know there is empty space in it for you also.

[shishirbn]

Ya ripper, now my confusion is removed

[pubz]

yeah. outright stupidity to follow an ambulance!!
at the same time I have seen lot of people mis-using this priority!!!..i've seen a ambulance near my house..going at around 9 AM and 5:30 PM everyday!!!...dont tell me that people in that area require ambulance everyday at the mentioned time

[kb100]

I am afraid I have... between Avinashi and Cbe. And that was the absolute fastest I have ever done that stretch - at the end even left them behind!

[Ripper]

The problem with tailgating ambulances is that, everyone will be jockeying for the position right behind the ambulance, and it can get pretty ugly.
Ambulances are faster in jammed traffic, but slow you down in any kind of condition with slightly more space to maneuver.

[drifter]

In Europe it is as serious offence to do so, which I am glad about. Still, people do it.

Unfortunately it has repeatedly resulted in fatalities not to mention casualties.

Everyone wants to be quicker in order to reach their destination. But there is no point to race it to the final destination.

When one sees a person dying, which is not only a humbling and sad experience, but also has a very depressing effect and is painful, then people all of a sudden react different and take more care.

Why waiting to take the right cause of action? Act responsibly now and we will be blessed with much less grief ourselves and and others that could be affected with a longer life.

[optimus_prime]

Random question - what do you do if while giving way for the ambulance, he hits your car?

[Godfather]

optimus_prime » Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:57 am[/url]]Random question - what do you do if while giving way for the ambulance, he hits your car?

hmm.. never thought of this one before.
he does have the right of way and chances are he will not hit your vehicle, even if he does i would let is go cause it will max to max be a scratch or a broken tail light, no point stopping and fighting about it since a persons life depended on his decision.

Goddy