Abuse of an emergency privilege

Nov 12, 2014 Editorial

The usual platitudes coming out of Eve Leary on the observance of National Road Safety Month have become standard fare over the years. Unsurprisingly there seems to be an undue haste to prove the Guyana Police Traffic Department as inept as the rest of the Force. What is considerable cause for concern is the appearance of some patrol vehicles on the road. Police vehicles are driven with impunity with defects that other road users are hauled over for by the same police.
It is not unusual to see police pickups with no rear lights or without red lenses covering them if they exist. Another thing citizens do not seem inclined to obey is the siren or flashing lights on police vehicles with the alacrity that these emergency indicators demand. One reason for this is that officers simply going from point to point, to a meeting or even to their private liaisons, are abusing those instruments. Sirens are permitted by law for emergencies, but their usage must be driven by an emergency. It is not unusual to see a police vehicle, siren blaring, driven at a fast rate of speed with the driver as the sole occupant, just because he does not want to stop at the traffic light or remain in place in a line of moving vehicles. It is also a reflection on the immaturity of the users.
On another note, no consideration seems to have been given to the noise pollution resulting from siren usage and its abuse. Also when there is no emergency, speeding police vehicles pose a danger to the public and pedestrians as they go through red lights and across pedestrian crossings, and endanger other road users.
Of course it will be argued that siren usage helps increase safety for everyone, including the officers themselves, because it raises awareness of an emergency vehicle approaching. However the point must be emphasized that what currently obtains in our local context amounts to abuse, with the attendant likelihood that people will not take the sound of sirens seriously, particularly when it matters the most. At this time it does not appear as if there are guidelines which help police drivers on this point. From all indications police drivers are left pretty much on their own with regard to when sirens and flashing lights are to be employed.
It is unarguable that certain top officials are entitled to unrestricted passage on the country’s roads, and these include the President, and Prime Minister. Ironically perhaps is the fact that the minister responsible for internal security does not avail himself of the privilege of siren use. Motorists are always expected to give priority to police vehicles that are responding to an emergency and can be recognized by the sound of a siren. So the question comes right back to confront us, namely – what is the rationale for excessive non-emergency siren use by the police?
Ambulance drivers are also not without blame. Only recently the allegation was made that an ambulance in a collision with another vehicle was not responding to an emergency call for assistance. Ambulances can be seen and heard with lights flashing and sirens going, and if investigated, it might be discovered that the driver was on some kind of personal errand. These incidents of abuse can only occur in the absence of some form of effective oversight.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but no thought seems to be given for the great distress caused, especially to elderly people. Police sirens are also known to cause panic among drivers when they are turned on suddenly. This can result in accidents, particularly among new drivers or drivers that are easily frightened. They are also a nuisance to people, as police vehicles with blaring sirens are a common sight and if heard constantly can cause hearing problems.
As an occupational safety and health issue, police officers should be required to use ear protection when using sirens in emergencies. For people with blood pressure problems, the sudden sound of a siren can cause their blood pressure to shoot up, which has serious health implications for the individual. The foregoing observations do not ignore the importance of sirens use when responding to emergencies, but it must not be abused.

Latest News

Abuse of an emergency privilege

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| April, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Beckford brace Slingerz to fourth win on the trot, as Santos topple...

West Indies Women’s World Cup hopes in jeopardy...

GCC, Ogle, East Bank among winners as Demerara...

Unbeaten GCA storm to 2025 title

Tucber Park Cricket Club receives cricket gear...

Young guns flourish at Moo! National Junior’s...

Features/Columnists

Of Silk and Steel

Collaborative Government–Private Sector Action Imperative for a Resilient Trade Future

Rogue cops – only a few around

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Abuse of an emergency privilege

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| April, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]