Saudi Gazette A thick yellow line on either side of the road distinctively means that drivers are not allowed to cross it. It is strictly prohibited and is to be used only incase of emergencies as one is not allowed to drive at the left side of the yellow line. In the kingdom, however, most drivers freely use the lane beyond the yellow line as a spare lane, basically to speed ahead of slow traffic or to avoid the traffic jam. Now, there could only be two reasons for it — either they are not aware of this grave traffic violation or they simply do not care — latter being more plausible. Driving beyond the yellow lane poses intense risk for the drivers, too. They can crash into the pavement or collide with other cars which maybe running close to the line. Moreover, it hinders the movement of ambulances and fire trucks in case of emergencies. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Director General of the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Ohaly, expressed his utmost displeasure and frustration with drivers who clog up the emergency lanes on freeways and other roads in the Kingdom. He said that drivers of rescue vehicles are facing tremendous difficulties in efficiently carrying out their jobs that is reaching the destination on time during crisis. Dr. Al-Ohaly further said that the Ministry of Transport has been receiving complaints from paramedics, that the emergency lanes which should be reserved for ambulances and other rescue vehicles are overtaken by regular cars. Time plays a vital role incase of emergencies as even a few precious seconds can help save a person's life though this situation makes it very arduous for both, the victim and the saviour. “Many members of the society share responsibility in the issue of misusing emergency lanes. An increase in the presence of traffic police on the roads and implementation of strict laws are required. Second, drivers must understand and respect these laws and avoid using the sides of the roads except in true emergencies. Finally, the infrastructure and design of roads should include specially designated lanes that remain unoccupied except by rescue vehicles. The Ministry of Transport has finalized plans to add emergency lanes to most major roads across the Kingdom,” said Al-Ohaly. __
