Motorists urged to yield way for law enforcement and emergency services
The Russian Ministry of Transport (Mintrans) has proposed amendments to the traffic regulations in Russia, particularly concerning the movement of special transport vehicles. As per the proposed amendments, drivers are required not only to yield to vehicles with active flashing lights and sirens but also to move to the adjacent lane to provide a clear path.
In the proposed changes, drivers are instructed to move to the adjacent lane when approaching a special transport vehicle in the same lane to ensure its unhindered passage. If the maneuver is safe and feasible, drivers must take the necessary steps, including moving to the adjacent lane.
Mintrans highlighted that the current edition of the traffic rules does not mandate any "active actions" from drivers when following the rule of yielding to vehicles with activated signals. On an annual basis, there are approximately 100,000 instances where drivers fail to yield to such vehicles, leading to delays in emergency services (5-10 minutes), fire crews (7-15 minutes), and decreased law enforcement effectiveness.
The purpose of this requirement is to boost road safety and enable special vehicles to traverse traffic swiftly and unimpeded. Drivers will need to actively monitor their surroundings to make safe lane changes, which may necessitate more attentive driving. The implications include potential changes in traffic flow, particularly on multi-lane roads, improved emergency response, and increased enforcement.
This regulatory change suggests a proactive approach by Mintrans to improve road safety and the effectiveness of emergency services in Russia. The amendments signify a move towards clearer and stricter traffic rules pertaining to special transport vehicles.
The amendments proposed by Mintrans extend beyond just yielding to special transport vehicles, as they now require drivers to move to the adjacent lane for unhindered passage. The proposed changes aim to enhance road safety within various sectors, including finance, transportation, and the automotive industry, by improving emergency response times.
