Latest news with #emergencyvehicles
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Give way to emergency vehicles, Abu Dhabi Police remind drivers
The UAE is one of the few countries in the world where drivers consistently give way to emergency vehicles. Whenever a police patrol, an ambulance or civil defence vehicle approaches, accompanied by flashing lights and a siren, motorists in the UAE generally move aside to let these emergency vehicles pass through. Nonetheless, the UAE is reminding its residents to keep doing the same and strengthen the road safety culture. These emergency vehicles would be rushing to attend to an accident, incident, a fire, and every second counts. With that in mind, police in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi have launched a six-month awareness campaign, urging drivers to give way to emergency vehicles to save lives. In co-ordination with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Abu Dhabi Police launched the campaign titled 'Don't Hesitate – Give Way Immediately.' The campaign aims to educate drivers on traffic laws around giving way to emergency vehicles, and the fines applicable for failure to do so, further enhancing responsible driving habits. Fines According to the Ministry of Interior, motorists who don't give way to emergency, ambulance and police vehicles vehicles will be fined Dh3,000 and 6 traffic points. Further, their vehicles will be confiscated for 30 days. Meanwhile, obstructing entrance and not leaving enough space for a Civil Defence vehicle to manoeuvre between warehouses or obstructing access to these areas would result in a penalty of Dh50,000. Earlier this month, Sharjah Police too warned that blocking emergency vehicles will result in a fine of Dh3,000 and a 30-day vehicle impoundment. 'Every second counts in emergencies. People's lives depend on how fast our rescue teams can reach them. Delays can mean the difference between life and death," a top police had told the Khaleej Times. During adverse weather conditions The fine is even harsher when impeding emergency vehicles during adverse weather conditions. The law says that motorists who obstruct rescue efforts can be fined additional Dh1,000, four more black points, and have their vehicle impounded for 60 days. In numbers According to statistics from the Ministry of Interior, a total of 325 accidents across the UAE were caused by failure to give way to emergency vehicles. The highest was in Dubai with 160 accidents followed by Abu Dhabi (107), Ajman (31), Sharjah (17), Ras Al Khaimah (5), Umm Al Quwain (3), and Fujairah (2). Dos and don'ts According to Road Safety UAE, here's a checklist on the dos and don'ts regarding emergency vehicles. When an emergency vehicle approaches: Keep the noise level down in your vehicle to hear sirens of emergency vehicles. When an emergency vehicle approaches, don't panic, stay alert, and avoid being distracted. Anticipate the likely route the emergency vehicle will take. Make sure you keep the hard shoulders free. Avoid braking abruptly and blocking the road or a junction. Look ahead for a safe area where you can pull over. Slow down, signal and move to the right. At intersections, emergency vehicles often stop or slow down to check if they can pass through safely. At intersections, you must give way to an emergency vehicle even if you are facing a green traffic light. Wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and watch for more than one emergency vehicle. Check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic. When you approach emergency vehicles: Watch for emergency vehicles stopped on the road and shoulders. Slow down and pass with caution, and be prepared to stop. Watch for emergency staff walking around the incident site. Clear the way for arriving additional emergency vehicles. Follow the directions of police or traffic guides. Do not rubberneck! Things to remember: Abu Dhabi Police said that the latest campaign is part of ongoing efforts to further enhance the UAE capital's position as one of the safest in the world. Remember, a simple act can be the difference between life and death.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major A-road bridge used by thousands of drivers a day to CLOSE this weekend
A MAJOR A-road bridge used by thousands of drivers everyday is to close this weekend. The Erskine Bridge, which spans the River Clyde in west-central Scotland, will be closed overnight while essential roadworks are carried out. 2 2 The major closure will be on the northbound carriageway before the A898 Erskine Bridge exit. The closure will commence from 8pm on Saturday, May 17, until 6am on Sunday, with a diversion signed. On behalf of Transport Scotland, engineering company Amey is carrying out the closure for resurfacing work. Traffic will be diverted via the M898 northbound off-slip to the B815, A726, M898 southbound on-slip, M8 eastbound, M8 Kingston Bridge, M8 eastbound junction 17 off-slip, to Great Western Road, A82 - where the diversion will finish. Meanwhile non-motorway traffic is to be diverted via the A726 to the A8 Greenock Road, Inchinnan Road, Glebe Street, Glasgow Road, Renfrew Road, Shieldhall Road, Clyde Tunnel, Crow Road, and Great Western Road. Motorists must also be aware of the closure of the Erskine Bridge southbound on-slip from the westbound Great Western Road. Traffic will be diverted via Dunglass Roundabout, Great Western Road eastbound, and the Erskine Bridge off-slip. And those who are travelling north on the M8 looking to use the northbound A898 Erskine Bridge are urged to follow an alternative route due to the works being done. However emergency vehicles will still be granted access to the bridge during the closure. Drivers must also be aware that the works are dependent on the weather, and therefore may be rescheduled if needed. Elsewhere, a major A-road used by 170,000 drivers a day has also shut down for works set to last nearly two weeks. The A38 in Cornwall is currently closed overnight, with National Highways confirming the closure is to "improve safety" along the busy stretch. National Highways is carrying out work between St Neot at Carnglaze Caverns junction and Dobwalls at the Twelvewoods roundabout. The highways agency has said it aims to improve safety and reduce the need for unplanned closures in the future. The A38 will be closed in both directions from Twelvewoods to Turfdown Roundabout every weeknight from 8.30pm to 6am. The closure began on Tuesday, May 6, and will run through to Friday, May 16. Maintenance works will also cause the closure of a major motorway for an entire weekend at the end of this month. Closures will take place between the Rownhams Interchange and Junction 1 of the M271 between May 30 and June 2. A419 closures - May 12-16 Monday May 12-Tuesday May 13 Roadworks started at 8pm on May 12 when the northbound carriageway was shut until 6am on Tuesday between the Commonhead junction and the A420. On Tuesday May 13, the northbound carriageway will shut from 8pm until 6am the following morning between the Commonhead junction and the A420. Wednesday May 14-Friday May 1 6 The southbound and northbound carriageways between the Commonhead Roundabout and junction 15 of the M4 will be closed from 8pm to 6am.
The National
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Dubai Police reveals next-generation vehicles joining its fleet
Dubai Police have unveiled the next generation of vehicles that will join their fleet to fight crime and carry out rescue operations. The vehicles were revealed at the World Police Summit at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which opened on Tuesday. They include a custom-built emergency transport vehicle for the police force's training centre in Al Ruwayyah. It is designed to be armed to the teeth with tactical equipment including 60 rifles, 80 pistols, 10 tasers, two protective shields and 60 sound and smoke grenades. All the internal fittings were installed using the original screw points of the vehicle, without cutting or welding. The interior features custom-designed drawers with laser-cut, high-density foam inserts that securely hold weapons in place for maximum safety during transit. The drawers have a load capacity of up to 300kg, and the vehicle has a password-protected entry system. It is made from steel and aluminium to ensure it is strong but still light and easy to drive. Another vehicle on show was a pick-up truck designed for rescue operations in mountain and desert terrain, particularly in Hatta. When roads become impassable, patrol officers can switch to two mountain bikes mounted at the rear to reach remote locations. The vehicle has an armoured underbody, a lightweight raised aluminium bumper, reinforced side steps, and a high-capacity winch at the front that can tow vehicles weighing up to five tonnes. It also features aluminium handrails coated in Line-X, a long-lasting protective layer that enhances strength and resistance to wear for up to 15 years. The vehicle also has a compartment for tools and rescue gear, and an extra battery in case the main power source fails. The features were developed in response to feedback from officers, ensuring the design meets requirements in the field. Both vehicles are set to enter active service after the summit. Also at the summit was the powerful Land Rover Defender HSE P400 which will be the first Defender model to join the Dubai Police fleet. The vehicle was supplied by Al Tayer Motors, the exclusive UAE dealer for Land Rover. Maj Gen Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, assistant commander-in-chief of operations at Dubai Police, led the launch and reviewed the vehicle's advanced specifications. These include eco-friendly technology, high off-road performance, a 3D surround camera and a remote control emergency system. Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said: 'Integrating high-performance patrol vehicles like the Defender HSE P400 enhances our preparedness and reinforces our ability to maintain safety and security across all terrains in Dubai.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘Move Over or get Pulled Over:' NC state launches new law campaign to raise awareness
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – North Carolina police departments announced a campaign that aims to raise awareness to the state's 'Move Over' law. The 'Move Over' law requires drivers in the state to slow down and move over to another lane when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of the roadway with lights flashing. Failure to do so could result in heavy fines. The statewide campaign aims to raise awareness of the law in order to remind drivers to move over for emergency personnel, as well as prevent any potential accidents at the scene. The campaign is expected to start on Monday, May 12, through May 19. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Pittsburgh City Council promises action to help revamp city's aging emergency vehicle fleet
The chiefs in charge of Pittsburgh's public safety bureaus say they are worried that many of the city's emergency vehicles might not make it. On Tuesday, they testified about the dire condition of Pittsburgh's aging fleet, and Pittsburgh City Council is promising action. The chiefs say the city's fire trucks and EMS ambulances are on their last legs and there's a waiting list at the city repair garage. Appearing before the council, they sounded the alarm. City fleet in dire condition In emergency situations, the public depends on their swift arrival. But the public safety chiefs say they no longer have reliable vehicles to get them there. "We have front-line pumpers that are 14, 15 years old," Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Assistant Chief Brian Kokkila said. "And aerials that are 17, 18 years old." "We're at times spending bad money to repair vehicles that should have been replaced in years prior," he added. "We have vehicles, if you're going by mileage, they'd be over 300,000 miles on them," Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services Assistant Chief Jeff Tremel said. "So, they are on their last legs." The state of the fleet has been well known for years, and councilmembers concede they share in the blame for underfunding its replacement. "It is a reflection on this council and the administration, I would tell you, because we are the ones who fund it," Councilman Anthony Coghill said. "We are the ones who approve or reject the funding. We've obviously been negligent." Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt also shouldered the blame. "It's been disinvested for decades," Schmidt said. "I think the city has to take a look at that, how we invest in our fleet on a regular basis." But while Schmidt said $10 million to $15 million a year is needed to replace the public safety vehicle alone, the administration has budgeted only $6 million this year for the entire city fleet, and less than $3 million is planned for each of the next five years. "We need to all stop playing politics because public safety is the most important thing we do here," Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith said. Kail-Smith says funding must be found immediately and questioned why the administration has been spending millions on anti-violence grants and tens of millions subsidizing affordable housing. "If we can't keep people safe in the city, they're not buying our housing," she said. "They're not moving to Pittsburgh." Council member said the budget needs to be reopened and money shifted from other areas, saying the acquisition of new vehicles has to be the highest priority.
