UAE motorists to get emergency vehicle alerts through car radio

Sharjah - Radio messages would be sent in multiple languages.

Sirens are no longer the only way to alert motorists that emergency vehicles are approaching. In Sharjah, drivers will now hear an announcement through their cars' radios.
The Sharjah Police on Sunday launched the device that could transmit messages via radio waves and inform motorists that an emergency or patrol vehicle is coming and they have to give way.
Brigadier-General Ahmed Said Al Na'our, director-general of the police's central operations, said the innovative device was introduced according to the directives of Major-General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police. He added that it would ensure rapid response to emergencies and help the authorities reach their destinations at the soonest possible time.
"The police are determined to enhance public safety and security through the use of the latest technologies, in line with the strategy of the Ministry of Interior," said Brig-Gen Al Na'our.
Radio messages would be sent in multiple languages, he explained, and the device could transmit three types of audio clips. The first one would alert motorists to the presence of an approaching emergency or police vehicle, while the second message would tell them that a vehicle is parked in front. The third type of message would request motorists to stop as a police vehicle is approaching the intersection.
Brig-Gen Al Na'our urged drivers to give away to police, emergency and official convoy vehicles at all times.
Those who would be caught obstructing the movement of such vehicles would be penalised with a Dh3,000 fine; 30-day vehicle impoundment; and six black points, he said.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah