One Dominican driver almost learned the hard way, the importance of giving way to emergency vehicles when their sirens come blaring at you.
He was on the verge of being slapped with a fine but in the end got away with a warning.
Its lights flashing and sirens going full blast, an ambulance came charging southwards on Independence street in Capital city Roseau on Monday morning but had to contend with several vehicles in its way.
Most of them managed to squeeze in somewhere to allow the emergency vehicle to speed onwards to conclude its pressing mission – except one.
The ambulance was almost snapping on the heels of the offending vehicle like an angry dog, and yet the driver couldn’t get out of the way.
From the upstairs DNO perch where my colleague and I looked on, we wondered aloud why he couldn’t just swing right into a waiting side street.
But it was clear that he was bent on turning left into the side road leading to Astaphan’s, failing which he had difficulty considering another option.
He couldn’t access the Astaphan route simply because another vehicle seeking to make way for the ambulance had occupied the entrance to that road.
In the end he finally reversed into some very limited space, almost backing into the ambulance while doing so.
The emergency vehicle was finally able to get on with the business of trying to reach its destination.
But the offending vehicle driver now had to give account of his actions (or lack of), as a young constable came on the scene and asked him to step out of his vehicle.
Constable Wiseman Elick whipped out his charge book, keen on pressing home the point that vehicle drivers must give way to emergency vehicles.
The driver and his female passenger both mounted a loud and passionate defence.
Constable Wiseman told Dominica News Online however that he resorted to giving the man a stern warning instead of a charge not because of the arguments he advanced, but because one eyewitness pleaded his case, explaining that he had tried to make way but encountered difficulty doing so.
The police officer says the lesson from Monday’s event is that drivers need to understand the importance of not hindering ambulance, police and other emergency vehicles who may at the time be dealing with life and death issues.
Good job, Wiseman. (Interesting first name). I think you listened to the reason from public (even only one member). I trust that the offending driver.
It’s when things like this hit the news that Dominican policy makers need to ask themselves some questions. I have always wondered where in Roseau persons would be able to use as an emergency exit when vehicles are allowed to park on both sides of the road and leave one lane just for the vehicles to navigate. Is this the call of Urban Planning or Roseau City Council to look into these things?
@ Jokes
This is why nationals must telephone or write their MP’s. They must not only observe, talk and write.
If you are aware of a problem, then it should be addressed to the proper authority and hope that they take it into consideration and implement it. I am certain your feedback is important.
I visualize that the government of DA must institute many changes accordingly and listen to the people.
I can see how difficult it is for drivers to make way for emergency vehicles in Roseau, in that the streets are too small; and yet part of those streets are being used as sidewalks and parking spaces also.
In Canada, the streets are mostly for driving–except that stop lights and cross walks allow for pedestrians to walk through quickly.
A driver does not have the time to swing into a corner to make way for an emergency vehicle. At the sound of the siren he promptly stop driving–that is all.
The emergency vehicle will skilfully swerve through the empty spaces of the lanes–no matter what the direction of those lanes, because all drivers have stopped–until it has made its way out. Then drivers continue driving in their particular direction.
If that was the way in Roseau, this driver would have no trouble. He hears the sound of the siren and he promptly stops driving– like all other drivers would have done–as the ambulance passes through the empty spaces of the street–between the stopped drivers.
Someone said that Roseau needs a large parking lot. I will add that we need to alter our sidewalks as well. Otherwise our present chaos will grow–not decrease.
Are those DA drivers informed and/or trained to immediately give the ambulance the right of way? A life or more could depend on that.
This man is fortunate that he did not get a ticket and was not charged. The woman should also have kept quiet. People do not argue with an ambulance driver who is doing his/her utmost to respond to an emergency and who may be taking a sick person to the hospital. Do these people have any common sense?
I reside in Toronto and when we hear a siren, be it an ambulance or fire truck, we immediately stop; pedestrians as well.
The traffic may be heavy and so the emergency vehicle may have to make a turn and go into the opposite direction to get through. Those emergency vehicles travel fast and every one must get out of their way.
If per chance I am crossing the street. I immediately stop and look how far they are. I dare not cross. It is also common courtesy and for the protection of lives; no exception mine as well.
There are times that ambulances have got into accidents while going to a sick person or going to the hospital with a sick person. This is a serious matter.
DA drivers, common sense must prevail. Whenever you hear an emergency siren, immediately try to find a spot in order to give leeway to them. Keep in mind, a life is precious and could be saved by your consideration. Never rush emergency vehicles. This also includes Police patrol vehicles which are also answering to an emergency; could be an accident, injury or death.
As the saying, “The life saved could be your own, your relative or someone whom you know.”
People stop comparing to roads of toronto to Dominica….I myself had an experience on Bath Road right by convent Prep with an Ambulance blasting behind me…and not being able to give way because vehicles in front and parked at my side just made it impossible…its not as easy as you think. We are well aware that we should give way HOWEVER at times it’s just plain impossible!!
@
Nevertheless, we are offering advice in the hope that the DA government, the Minister who is responsible for the roads will read, pay heed and make changes.
The government needs to attend to what is important as roads in Roseau and the sidewalks. Pedestrians also need to cross the roads safely.
Yes! A parking lot could be built (hopefully if possible) that those vehicles, trucks, buses, cars, motorcycles and bicycles could park just outside of Roseau on either side and those who especially are office and store workers could walk to. The exercise would do them well.
For those who sell produce and other items in the market, they should arrive early enough by vehicle when there is very little traffic. It could be done. It requires organization.
It is high time that the government does something about that. Traffic has increased but the Roseau streets and sidewalks have not been repaired.
We are aware of the necessity of smooth driving (sailing) so that no one, drivers and pedestrians are not obstructed and by no means for emergency ambulance, fire truck and police patrol cars.
The government could learn very well from those overseas. The Ministers also travel to those countries be it on vacation. We mean well for our beloved country for we are also its visitors.
It is amazing that when we go to the develop countries we obey the laws,knowing well that if an emergency vehicle is approaching we pull aside stop or find another route.Why do we find difficulty in obeying our own rules.Guess the penalty for breaking these rules must be stiffer.Even jail time.
when the traffic department does nothing to do curve the double parking in roseau, what do u expect. not all drivers r that good behind the wheel to fit in small spaces. Independence st & Great George st should be double laned n kept clear just for those reasons. but no way, just more inefficient
public service at its best
@ goat mout
They require discipline and to exercise their common sense. Imagine the woman in the car was arguing with the Police. I hope that they have learned a lesson.
From the moment I hear a Police siren, an ambulance or a fire truck, I cease in my tracks. I take no chances.
It is against the Law not to give them leeway. This is the reason why the siren is blasting so that every one who can hear will hear and get out of the way. We are also in a position to warn people to stop.
If some people cannot understand that, something is wrong with them.
The driver probably tried, but could not squeeze himself in. Just giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Another bad, irresponsible and dangerous practice is racing behind emergency vehicles either to get ahead of everyone who gave way to the emergency vehicle, for the “kicks” of it, for whatever reason or all of the above reasons.
EVERYTHNG is a charge. Police officers here in dominica needs to be introduced to the word CITATION which is just a traffic ticket. That driver could have had a warrant but you police are so primative that harden criminals trained overseas dont take you guys serious.
Citation is an American concept that we don’t use, and Dominica is not alone in that.
…we’re not the U.S.A…….yet!
@ Malate
In certain respects, they could learn from the U.S. It will be to their benefit.
The 2nd sentence has no bearing on the issue. Forget about the police – talk about the possiblilty or impossibillity of the driver clearing the way for the emergency vehicle sooner
Citation for hindering an emergency vehicle? Man….are you serious? It’s time that drivers learn to respect emergency vehicles on the move. I guess you have never seen some of them trying to race the ambulance or fire vehicles.
@ Black Nobility
Some black nobility that you are. The Police, in this instance did not need to have a warrant to charge that driver and the woman passenger who argued with him.
If people, whoever they are, wherever they reside and wherever they previously resided do not pay heed then they will have to bear the consequences of their actions. No excuse for them. Let it be known the Police is authority, has authority and must be obedient. The problem with some people is that they are disobedient and lawless.
The main word here is “Couldn’t”
Its time for DA to start implementing certain laws such as handing out tickets for not pulling over sothat emergency vehichles could pass. This money can the be used to improve traffic flow in the city, by putting signal lights and more stop signs. There’s hardly any rules and the people know they can get away with it.
It is very important that we pull over and give way to emergency vehicles (police / fire/ ambulance) in an effort to save lives. I believe the public should be educated on what to do when an emergency vehicle is going in either directions I know there are laws that have not been practiced so this serves as a reminder.
some of those drivers just don’t care it seems.
@ Concerned Dominican
Warning heeded
Do not be surprised that in future those perpetrators will be ticketed.
The problem is that some do not take the emergency siren seriously due to the type of mentality which they possess. They do need to be educated. I hope this will part of the program on the local TV and Radio news.
It is very important that we pull over and give way to emergency vehicles (police / fire/ ambulance) in an effort to save lives. I believe the public should be educated on what to do when an emergency vehicle is going in either directions I know there are laws that have not been practiced so this serves as a reminder.
People should learn to respect emergency vehicles at all times, but in the same breath, there isnt much space to manoevre around town. If he could have gone into a side road, then he should have been charged.
Roseau needs a huge packing deck..at least 3 floors.. Parking is very limited in the city and as a result creates a lot of congestion..
then where is the space to do that . the only place i see is over the roseau river!!!! my opinion,
The thing is, everybody want to park right in-front of the business place they going to.
But as a driver on the street,doesn’t he know that when ever they hear the sirens of ambulance,fire trucks and police vehicles that it is an emergency?.Some people just don’t have respect for law mehn.And yes the place might be small true.But at the same time they can’t just do what they want and think they gonna always get away with things.
DNO, I am impressed with the speed with which you got that story up this morning.
Why don’t you apply that same speed and efficiency to the publication of your other stories
NEVA MIND, RUBBISH;;;;
Hey!! I’ve seen ambulances put their siren or lights on just to pass a vehicle for no reason, and then sit on the side of the road, come on
those officers that are doing that need to be checked and warned, i know this is true!!! but the firechife will take action if he knows those that are doing that….. he is a very streight forward man…
That’s quite true. I encountered a police vehicle this morning near fort young…no hurry then suddenly he put on his emergency lights and there were no emergencies he was just going to the traffic department. I was the only vehicle behind him going in the same direction. So sometimes they do put it on. If it is a test measure then I can understand…but don’t use it as an excuse just to get ahead.
The deafening loud MOVE TO THE RIGHT that I have heard so it happens even in the US too
I do not know for now but back then – the streets in Roseau were crowded, vehicles parked on both sides
Our roads are narrow and it is not always easy to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle,the driver tried his best to give way.The policeman saw all that and still wanted to place a charge? I think he is a foolish officer……time will tell.
respect to the officer for the warning. It is a better way for public relations. The driver must know that if he cant learn from this encounter, the next time a charge will be in order.
Officers are best advised to solicit citizens–in this case, drivers before they press charges.
Sir/Madam,your last sentence is one of the many positive comments to appear here. This is truly the correct way. DA needs better Poilce/Public relations. Charges should be pressed (and hard) when the situation/s really warrant/s it.
he did not get a ticket because some pleaded his case that’s BULL,how are the other drivers going to learn MR POLICE.
As a careful and alert druver as soon as I hear the sound of a siren I try to find a spot to pause but sometimes a spot cannot be found right away, So I would have been happy for a warning rather than a ticket. I do not know the driver but Roseau is very conjested and A MONDAY MORNING!! I believe he could not find a spot on that narrow street with cars packed on both sides.
accept my condolences!……(i see u are both blind and death!)
Three comments:
First, nice narrative reporting.
2nd, I have never witnessed anyone in Dominica (other than myself) give way to an ambulance.
Lastly: I did not know the ambulances even had sirens…I have never heard them used. Lights yes, siren no.
Please people give way all the time. Not many but to say other than yourself is not correct.
Lastly they do have sirens even though they don’t use them all the time. I have an issue with that, however I have heard my son saying “ambulance” even before we see one so I know that the sirens are used sometimes.
accept my condolences!……(i see u are both blind and death)!
deaf! sorry
That constable need to take his book and shove it….. Its not as easy as it seems to just give way to an emergency vehicle in the town that is always packed with vehicles at all angles. Is the government going to pay for damaging another vehicle or even your own while trying to get out of the ambulance way?
said right, the damn place hardly have room for parking much less moving,u cant always blame drivers the government should provide public parking to help the situation or else these things will only continue
Another ignorant Dominican trying to fight law and order… If your comprehensive skills were as good as your excuse making you would have realized that the Constable DID shove his book by issuing a warning. I have no doubt that warning was given after taking into consideration the very points you mentioned, even though the driver of the offending vehicle could have cost someone their life by disabling the timely response of the Ambulance. Please remember that the Constable’s is charged with enforcing the law before you incite anarchy. Hats off to you Constable Elick W.
Was this a situation where he had nowhere to go or did he stubbornly refuse to move? Did the police ask anyone to damage their vehicles or that of others to give way to emergency vehices? You people just love to run your mouths!
wow officer you are toooooo nice…. ghost in Brooklyn… 3 NYPD officers body slamming you with an extra pile drive to push the point… ambulance and fire trucks you give major room… they are not held by any street signs whatsoever… i taking the word of a DNO rep over a sympathetic ‘witness’… the dno rep said this driver had a space to the right but didn’t want to go in that direction… ambulance blaring means every sec means someones life is slipping away…. no police going to charge you for giving ambulance or fire truck space
You should charge him and not back down because its a bad habit that our drivers have, not give way to sirens
This vehicle should be charged forthwith and should not get away with someonelse pleading on his behalf ,from the time that the ambulance’s siren was heard he should have begun th prepare for getting off the road no matter how far away he was from the ambulance .
one never knows it could be his own family that the Ambulance was heading to assist .
it time we dominican do wat we have to do some people a to hard so next just do wat u have to to