Where a Truck Full of T-Shirts Gets the Same Privileges as an Ambulance
npr.org
npr.org
Orginial message
--- A clarification:
Ambulances in the USA have to follow traffic laws, even when lights and siren are being used. Yes, they can exceed the speed limit, but then there are significant liabilities that occur. Driving is still held to a standard of due care. Right of way is only being requested (though people who refuse to yield can get a nice ticket and a beratement from a cop), not demanded.
What they're doing in Bangladesh is dangerous - but not unexpected for a 3rd world country.
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That comment couldn't be any more ignorant and self deprecating. So, right of way is not demanded, but its illegal not to give right of way and you could get a ticket. Last time I checked that's exactly the definition of demanded.
Second of all, the US have special laws and technology in place for ambulances. From traffic cameras to IR traffic lights that can favor the ambulance when needed.
Also, there is better technology and science in traffic circulation in general (From car pool lanes to awesome massive intersections.
What they're doing in Bangladesh is the best they can with the means they have, and when the streets are in such a jungle state it's actually admirable that the people would make this exception that they all know benefits their community.
But yes, the rest of Luc S's comment is just wrong. The law explicitly states that you must immediately yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle with flashing lights. It's not demanded; it's absolutely required. And the thing about "significant liabilities" is irrelevant, regardless of whether it's true. The simple fact is that a sirens-on ambulance does not have a speed limit to obey.
An emergency vehicles with its warning signals activated preempts right of way in every V&T code I've ever read.
If the suppliers/retailers had that in the contracts then in places which bend towards such outcomes could at least be directed into a more sainer appoach too things. Extra penny on a T-Shirt or next news story about people dieing due too a T-Shirt lorry blocking the road. Hardly a tough choice but one which seems to be needed.
I don't blame the retail clothing industry, but they hardly help themselfs and less open than they could be. I suspect this may even be news too them at many levels and hardly an issue they should have to deal with, educating there suppliers. But I think they need too, even from a PR perspective it is disaster waiting too happen. Put another way, what good will come from this as it is an accident within accident waiting too happen. Still many did not even know about unsafe clothing factories until people died.
They are not innocent, they are lying to themselves at least.
In India, the only thing that gets any kind of privilege is a politician's motorcade.
And cows...