Woman Deliberately Blocks Ambulance: Fined Rs 7,000, License Suspended

In a recent alarming incident from Kerala's Kochi, a woman riding a Honda Navi was found to be blocking the way of an ambulance. The vehicle was carrying a patient who was in critical condition. The bystander filmed the offence and shared it online, which soon came to the notice of authorities. The Motor Vehicle Department has now suspended the woman's driving license for six months and also imposed a fine of Rs 7,000. Reports also say that she could also be assigned community services for a set period. The Kerala Motor Vehicle Department has once again proved to be one of the country's most efficient in terms of proactive enforcement of law.

The Incident: Woman Blocks The Way Of Ambulance

Let's look at the details of this incident. The accused was riding a Honda Navi. In a video shared by the bystander, she is seen riding right in front of the emergency vehicle.

Despite the honks and beacon, she refuses to make way for the vehicle. This continued from Kaloor Metro Station to Kaloor Junction. This is a distance of around 500-600 meters, and the area is quite populated with vehicles at most times of the day.

The ambulance was moving the patient from a hospital in Alwaye to a specialist hospital for emergency surgery. He had lost his palm in an accident in a factory, and the same needed to be surgically stitched back as early as possible. The ambulance was thus carrying decent speed, despite having fair traffic around. The scooter was riding at a good speed as well. It refused to give way and continued to ride right in front of the ambulance.

The ambulance driver can be seen honking and trying to squeeze in through the narrow gaps, but only to be ignored by the rider. You can also see that there is ample room on either sides for the scooter to give way, and thus the act was intentional.

The ambulance driver was at risk in this situation. If he ignored the lady's arrogance, drove faster, and if a crash occurred, the locals would have blamed him and probably even manhandled him for reckless driving. Clearly, the woman was being irresponsible and arrogant in this case.

Fortunately, the crew managed to get video proof of the incident, and produced the same before the police on Monday. The cops and the Motor Vehicle Department reviewed the video, tracked the lady using the vehicle number plate that was captured on video. She was soon summoned.

Another Incident Of Not Giving Way To Ambulance From Kerala

Previously, a doctor from the South Indian state was arrested for blocking the way of an ambulance. Dr. Rahul Raj, the accused, was booked by Kadirur police under sections of Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act. He was charged with Section 285 (causing danger or obstruction in public spaces) and Section 194E (failing to yield to emergency vehicles). A fine of Rs 5,000 was also imposed on him. The doctor was later released on bail. He claimed that the incident was unintentional.

Maruti Ciaz Fined 2.5 Lakh For Not Making Way To Ambulance

In a third incident from Kerala, a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz driver received a fine of 2.5 lakh rupees for not yielding to an ambulance that was following the car. The sedan continued to speed without making way. It was driving in the left lane, on a two-lane road. The Ciaz doesn't pay heed to repeated honking or siren from the emergency vehicle.