KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic rules must always be adhered to, even during emergencies, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
While he understood the need to rush in such situations, the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director said drivers must still follow the law to ensure their safety and that of other road users.
“Instead of breaking the law to rush someone in need of medical treatment, contact the relevant authorities, such as hospitals, for ambulance services.
“By using these services, those in need can be transported safely to the nearest clinic or hospital,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He was responding to an incident in which a 69-year-old woman was killed after crashing her car into a lorry in Jitra, Kedah, on Feb 15.
She had reportedly run a red light while rushing her injured son to the hospital.
Comm Mohd Yusri also reminded the public to not hog emergency lanes on expressways as they are reserved for those in genuine emergencies and frontline responders.
Road Safety expert Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua echoed this, saying emergency lanes allow frontliners to provide swift response to emergencies.
He warned of the serious consequences that can arise from violating traffic laws.
“Ambulance drivers are trained to handle traffic and provide life-saving care on the way to the hospital.
“Emergency vehicles have the right of way and can use sirens and lights to alert other drivers, ensuring a faster and safer journey to the hospital,” said Law, who heads the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
However, if an ambulance is unavailable or delayed, he said the public may consider driving to the hospital but must always prioritise safety.
Law also emphasised the need to increase public awareness on managing medical emergencies.
He said stronger emergency response systems, such as quicker ambulance dispatch times and improved hospital coordination, could help lessen the perception that private vehicles are necessary for urgent trips to hospitals.
