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Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Pull to the right if
ambulance is behind you

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Question: Recently, while driving on the H-1 freeway, I noticed an ambulance approaching. As it got closer, cars in front of me pulled off to either side. This was fine except that they slowed to almost a stop. We were going over 50 mph before they started to slow down, and the road was slick from rain. As cars around me slammed on their brakes, it's a miracle there wasn't a serious accident. Exactly what are cars supposed to do when an ambulance approaches from the rear on the freeway?

Auwe

I live on Kalanianaole Highway and have observed numerous occasions when an ambulance has had difficulty getting through because thoughtless drivers try to outrun it or feel it is up to the other person to give way. One day, they or a loved one may be in the ambulance and their attitude would certainly change. It may be a life or death situation, and any delay may prove fatal. What do we have to do to make these people respect the needs of others? -- Concerned resident

ANSWER: The basic rule of the road when an ambulance approaches from the rear is for drivers to pull over to the right side of the road. They should not slam on their brakes or, just as bad, follow in the wake of the emergency vehicle, said Donnie Gates, assistant chief of operations for the city's Emergency Medical Services Division.

"The ambulance is supposed to approach from the left lane and all traffic is supposed to move to the right hand side," he said. "If there is no way that you can pull to the right -- if traffic is so congested that you can't pull toward the right -- just come to a safe stop."

Gates said ambulance drivers are told to keep a safe distance from the car ahead of them "because you never know what they're going to do. Sometimes they'll stop right in front of you."

Drivers, meanwhile, should signal what their intentions are, "so that the emergency vehicle operator will know exactly what you're going to do," he said , "and then move as far to the right as you can."

Under no circumstances should a motorist follow an ambulance.

"Especially during rush hour traffic, a lot of people will jump in behind an ambulance or fire truck to follow them in so they get a clear lane," Gates said. "That is one of the most dangerous things for a driver to do."

The ambulance driver may suddenly have to "hit the brakes" or possibly go through a red light, he warned.

The problem emergency vehicle drivers see more and more, Gates noted, are motorists insulated in their vehicles -- their windows rolled up tight, air-conditioning going and radio or CD player playing full blast.

"A lot of times, (they) can't hear an ambulance," he said. He advises being more visually aware of what's going on, including checking frequently in the rear-view mirror.

Mahalo

To the principal, staff, teachers and students of Kawananakoa Middle School for their scholastic achievements, school spirit and high standards. May their aspirations soar as they celebrate he 75th anniversary of the founding of that Nuuanu institution this school year. -- Roy Shigemura (Class of 1950)

Useful phone numbers

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Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
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