KUCHING: Negligence and carelessness on the part of motorists and pedestrians have been the leading causes of road accidents involving ambulances this year.
Sarawak Traffic Investigation and Enforcement chief Supt Alexson Naga Chabu said this included failure of road users to give way to emergency vehicles, especially ambulances, as provided under the Road Traffic Rules 1959, namely Rule 9 (2) LN166/59.
“I advise road users to always abide by traffic laws and regulations while on the road and always be considerate to other road users,” he said here on Wednesday (April 7).
From Jan 1 until April 7 this year, he said four cases of accidents involving ambulances were recorded in Sarawak.
These cases occurred in the districts of Kuching, Sri Aman, Saratok and Kota Samarahan.
“Of the four, one was fatal, which happened in Sri Aman District involving an ambulance and a pedestrian.
“Meanwhile in Kuching, a serious accident occurred when an ambulance and a van collided at a traffic light intersection. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accidents in Saratok and Kota Samarahan.”
Supt Alexson warned motorists and pedestrians of the hefty fine and punishment in store for those who are convicted of causing traffic accidents involving ambulances.
He said the punishment was a fine of not less than RM5,000 and not more than RM10,000 and imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.
“Road users are also advised to always be sensitive to the environment, especially when hearing the sirens of ambulances, fire brigade or police vehicles and they must give way to such vehicles.”
