Alappuzha: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued an advisory urging motorists to give top priority to emergency vehicles on the road. As part of this, the department has launched an awareness campaign on social media, including videos highlighting the importance of every second in saving lives. The MVD warns that even a moment of negligence by drivers can lead to major disasters.

Officials are actively promoting the message through videos and awareness content shared across social media platforms. The campaign gained momentum after a video went viral showing a car failing to give way to a fire engine during a recent fire incident at Thuravoor Taluk Hospital.

Following this, the MVD released an awareness video stressing the value of every second and the responsibility of drivers. The incident, where fire and rescue personnel were obstructed on their way to the hospital fire, sparked widespread discussion. The vehicle owner’s driving licence was suspended by the department.

In addition to cancelling the licence for six months, the owner has been directed to attend a five-day road safety awareness class at the MVD training centre in Edappal. As part of the campaign, awareness cards are also being distributed, incorporating newspaper clippings related to the incident.

The Motor Vehicles Department has warned that such violations will lead to strict action, including suspension of the driver’s licence.

MVD’s Safety Guidelines

• Pay attention to sound: As soon as you hear a siren, calmly move your vehicle to the left.

• Do not obstruct: Trying to overtake or speed ahead of emergency vehicles is dangerous. Your duty is to give way.

• Watch signals: Even at a red signal, if it is safe, make space for emergency vehicles to pass.

• Act with awareness: Instead of thinking “I am in a hurry,” remember that someone else may be fighting for their life.

• At junctions and signals: Ensure there is enough space for emergency vehicles to pass through.

• Do not tailgate: Following closely behind a speeding emergency vehicle is risky.

• Legal consequences: Failing to give way to ambulances or fire engines is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, which can result in fines, imprisonment, and cancellation of the driving licence.