Karnataka Clears the Path for Ambulances – Drivers Blocking Them Could Lose Their License

Karnataka state government has passed orders to cancel the license of those drivers who are seen blocking an ambulance’s way to the hospital. With increasing traffic, it has become difficult for patients to get medical help on time, and hence it is important to enforce stricter rules.

When an ambulance hits the road with its loud siren, responsible citizens automatically make way for it. But if you are one of those who remain unaffected by the siren and its urgency to reach the hospital, you stand a chance of losing your driving license.

Karnataka state government has passed orders to cancel the driving licenses of offenders who block ambulances racing to the hospital.

Photo: Youtube

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the issue at the launch of 150 additional Arogya Kavacha ambulances at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday, Oct 8, 2015. He urged commuters to make way for ambulances carrying sick people to the hospital on the grounds of humanity.

“The heavy traffic on roads makes life difficult for ambulance drivers. Overtaking them adds to their woes. To prevent it, we are contemplating licence cancellation. The transport department and the police have been issued necessary directions,” he said.

According to road regulations, it is compulsory for all the commuters to make way for ambulances and draw to the side of the road. But many motorists violate the rules regularly.

With the growing number of vehicles in the state, traffic has increased and it has become a bigger challenge for patients to get medical help in time.

In addition to this, Siddaramaiah also announced that ambulances that have covered more than 3 lakh kilometres, will be replaced with new ones soon.

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