Car radio to play ‘give way’ when emergency vehicles approach in Dubai

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Car radio, give way, emergency vehicles, Dubai, social media, Attention
A few precious moments wasted in traffic can mean life or death in emergency situations.- Alamy Image

Dubai - Until October this year, the police had issued 121 fines to motorists.

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A Staff Reporter

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Published: Tue 29 Oct 2019, 6:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 30 Oct 2019, 7:54 AM

If you are blocking emergency vehicles while on the road, your car radio will now blare out a warning. The Dubai Police have taken to social media to tell motorists that they will be hearing alerts on their radios when emergency vehicles are approaching.
In a Twitter post, the police said cars blocking the emergency vehicle will be asked to give away via an audio message. The alert will say: "Attention, emergency vehicle approaching! Kindly give way."
The initiative is part of a three-month police campaign called 'give way ... give hope' to raise awareness about the consequences of motorists refusing to give way to emergency vehicles like ambulances and police patrols.
Until October this year, the police had issued 121 fines to motorists for failing to give way. Since July, the penalty for the offence was increased to a Dh3,000 fine, six black points and 30-day confiscation, as opposed to a Dh1,000 fine previously.
"Seconds can make a difference," a police official had said. "A few precious moments wasted in traffic can mean life or death in emergency situations."
Previously, Sharjah had implemented a similar initiative. The Sharjah Police had said that they use a special 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.
Residents hail move
Reacting to the latest initiative, residents took to Khaleej Times' social media platforms to hail the move and share their experiences. A Netizen said: "I just got that (message) and thank you so much for keeping me up to date."
Another reader said: "Thanks a lot. We need this when we are driving on foggy nights and early mornings."
sahim@khaleejtimes.com


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