The abuse of the emergency lane is another bugbear that the emergency services have to endure. Every driver, be they owners of private cars, taxi’s, buses or trucks, know that the emergency lane is an artery that needs to be clear at all times. Indeed, if due attention were paid to this most basic of highway rules, ambulances and police cars would not have to use the main carriageways quite so often.“We always endeavour to get to the scene of an emergency as quickly as possible and with clear emergency lanes that would be far easier. We can dramatically improve response times if motorists understand the critical time constraints we’re under. One blockage can lead to a chain reaction of traffic that delays us minutes which can cost the patient dearly, sometimes with his, or her, life”, says Werner Vermaak of ER24, He adds “People slowing down to look at an accident is one of the greatest causes of hold-ups to our ambulances”, Vermaak continues.In order to help save lives, motorists are being advised to:1 Never use the emergency lanes, except in incidences of emergency.2 When you see an emergency vehicle approaching, move over to the left when it is safe to do so.3 Never tailgate emergency vehicles.4 Do not suddenly brake in front of emergency vehicles.5 Never slow down on a bend where it is not safe for emergency vehicles to overtake.6 Do not stop in the middle of the intersection when an emergency vehicle is approaching, rather clear the intersection than blocking it.7 If there is a lane open at an intersection, do not move into it to make way, nine out of ten times we will use that open lane.“Not individually, but as a collective, on the roads, we hold the power to save lives, by allowing the medics to reach the injured patients at optimal speed, in order to stabilise them. By not satisfying our curiosity we could potentially be saving a life, not putting one in greater danger”, adds Vermaak. Contact DetailsMichael Emery - Marketing ManagerER24 - EMS082 089 7414michael.emery@er24.co.zawww.er24.co.za