Irresponsible drivers obstructed fire engine
THE recklessness and callous behaviour of Hong Kong's drivers are going beyond the limit.
Not only do they disregard the normal rules of the road, but are heedless of the urgency of certain situations and lack the common courtesy that is required in certain circumstances.
On Sunday, March 20, a fire engine was coming from Carnarvon Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, trying to turn left on Nathan Road, when two cars raced across in its path, not allowing it to turn.
Even when it had managed to turn, another car suddenly came racing behind, causing the driver of the fire engine to apply his breaks suddenly. Next, when the fire engine was about to turn right on Peking Road, another car coming north from the Salisbury Road end, shot across its path, again causing the fire engine to break suddenly and stop.
All this when the fire engine was blaring its siren, a clear declaration that it was making an emergency call.
A few minutes later, when an ambulance was following in the same direction also with its siren blaring, no vehicle, including buses, paused or gave way, causing the ambulance to make manoeuvres to reach its destination.
The police should organise their road patrol squads, setting them up at strategic points and preventing such road behaviour by erring drivers.
Moreover, heavy penalties should be imposed upon such drivers, including the suspension of their driving licences.
SADAK PALAYAM Kowloon
