BHPian Victor-whiskey recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Traffic jams are a common sight on Indian roads. While recently travelling from Amritsar to New Delhi, it took me 11.30 hours. I started the journey at 2 pm with likely ETA of 10 pm. With consistent traffic jams near Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ambala, Somalakha; afternoon turned to dusk and then night, I accepted my fate with no sights of jams ending. I reached my location at around 1 am. However, what irritated me the most were the VIP cavalcade/ Ambulance hoggers. All of us were struck in jams. Drivers of all vehicles squeeze & find spots to give way to ambulances/ cavalcades. However, everytime we saw few hoggers following these vehicles without any regard for other users of the road. They act as if they are on a tight schedule & follow these vehicles with all lights flashing & horns blaring. The only sane way I have found till now to deal with these kind of drivers is to keep my calm, give a smile/ sometimes a thumbs-up or hand gesture signifying a question mark. However, the only response I get is a smirk or a look questioning my audacity to question their move. There can only be 2 outcomes (if any other, please endorse in replies),” Either block their way or give way.” I want to ask other users about their experience & how they deal with this kind of behaviour. I’m attaching a poll about preferred behaviour. Moderators, please merge this thread if a suitable thread is found. I couldn’t find a suitable thread & hence made this. Thanks Here’s whatBHPian ghodlurhad to say on the matter:I voted Give way. No point in blocking the way for the morons as this could lead to road rage and additional traffic jams. I have seen many a 2 wheelers following the Ambulances hoping to get through the traffic and many even crashing into the Ambulances upon braking.Here’s whatBHPian dasshad to say on the matter:I gave way and only smile now and offer a quick prayer for the patient in the ambulance. To be honest, when I first started riding a 2 wheeler 25 years back and was on the roads and an ambulance were to pass me, I have followed it to get through traffic faster. I did not know then what I now know and am ashamed of my actions. Once I realized what I was doing, have never ever repeated that in 20+ years and that is the reason for my smile.Here’s whatBHPian xja1had to say on the matter:I have some rules for myself, that I prefer to follow for such instances – Vehicles following an Ambulance or Other Emergency responders: I always give them the benefit of doubt and let them pass, even if it means that I need to switch lanes or veer to the edge of the road. Many times the dear ones of the patient in the ambulance do tailgate – I’d rather let a few freeloaders follow behind, than to block someone in a genuine emergency. VIP vehicles: I give way on a ‘best effort’ basis only. I will not go off the road, cut anyone off or speed up/slow down. If there is space, I will accommodate, if not, then the “VIP” has to wait just like every other common person. Ambulances or Other emergency vehicles: I always give way to these vehicles if any form of siren/horn/lights are switched on. There have been instances where I have taken my car onto a sidewalk / moved beyond the signal stop line / changed my route / made abrupt lane changes – all in order to make way for an ambulance or fire engine. Other non-emergency vehicles that are displaying some form of urgency: If it is a commercial vehicle like a delivery / goods van, I do not budge at all and continue driving normally. However, if it is a private vehicle that is incessantly honking / flashing lights, then I just give them the benefit of doubt and give way on a ‘best effort’ basis – on the assumption that they might have some genuine reason like a hospital visit or some other urgency. Overall, I think it is better for us to avoid engaging with such people (e.g. like blocking their way) since we really don’t know why they are rushing. At the same time I do acknowledge that there are some bad elements who lack civic sense and empathy – hopefully they realize this as they progress in their journeys of life!Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
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Ambulance and cavalcade followers on roads: How to deal with them?
