Authorities recently carried out a drill simultaneously throughout the country to educate the public about the importance of clearing the way for fire engines. Did the blaring sirens prompt many local drivers to yield? Mike Laidman reports.

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Near Jeju Fire Station

With their sirens wailing, fire engines take to the road to get to the scene of an accident.

But how do drivers respond to fire engines on the road, particularly those with their lights and sirens on?

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Most drivers yield to emergency vehicles, but not all

When a fire engine approaches, drivers pull their cars over to the right side of the road.

Some people even drive over the centerline in order to clear the way. Public awareness on what to do when emergency vehicles pass is much better than it was before.

However, there are still inconsiderate drivers who do not move to the outer lanes, even when an emergency vehicle has its siren and lights on.

[camera]
Kim Seong-cheol

Because some drivers do not clear the way, the fire engine is stuck in the middle of the road.

Authorities say that while there are many citizens who do move their cars to other lanes as they should, this is still not enough.

This is made evident during rush hour when there are many cars on the road and the fire engines take more time to get to a scene.

[INTERVIEW]
Jin Yeong-ho / Chief, Jeju 119 Rescue Team
Due to rush hour congestion, it is very difficult to get to the scene of accidents. If all drivers would pull their cars over to the outer lanes it would be very helpful.
<인터뷰 : 진영호/제주 119구조대 팀장>
" 최근 급격히 증가한 차량, 특히 출퇴근 시간에 심각한 차량정체로 인해 출동에 큰 어려움이 있습니다. 이때 차량 운전자분들이
--------------수퍼체인지--------------------
도로 갓길이나 옆으로 정지해 주시면 (도움이 될 것 같습니다.)" "

If emergency vehicles fail to get to the scene of an accident within the first five minutes, the so-called ‘golden time,’ the risk that a fire grows out of control or that a person dies increases greatly.

Fire authorities are asking people to pull their cars over to the right side of the road whenever a fire engine or ambulance approaches. They added that if there are three or more lanes, people should move their cars to the outer lanes and clear a path down the middle.

[reporter]
Mike Laidman

Considering that one minute, even one second can be important when it comes to an accident, following these simple rules is the best way to save lives.

Mike Laidman, KCTV