Vital lifeline clogged with camping chairs and tables

While seriously injured people wait for help campers block the escape route

On Tuesday evening, June 12, 2018, there was a traffic jam on the A3 towards Oberhausen near Ratingen. A 66-year-old, possibly disoriented, ghost driver collided with a 53-year-old road user. According to police, both drivers were seriously injured. When the rescue workers arrived, they could not believe their eyes: A group of road users had made themselves comfortable with camping chairs and tables in the middle of the rescue lane and obstructed the rescue vehicles.

"They have made themselves comfortable on the road," reported a fire spokesman on Wednesday to the news agency dpa. Rescue workers had a hard time getting to the scene to finally bring the seriously injured people to the hospital.

So should look like a real escape route, so that no important time is lost in an emergency, which decides in case of doubt about life and death. (Image: Matthias Buehner / fotolia.com)

Liferafts save lives

Apparently, many road users still underestimate the lifesaving function of the rescue lane. According to the ADAC, an emergency lane must be formed as soon as traffic slows down, because no time can be lost in an emergency. All motorists are obliged to form the escape route and keep it clear. Anyone who impedes rescue workers must expect a fine.

How is a rescue lane formed correctly??

A rescue lane should always be formed between the extreme left and the right lane. Drivers on the left lane drive as far left as possible. All other lanes clear the way to the right, creating a clear lane.

Penalty catalog for obstruction of rescue workers

The ADAC clarifies the possible fines and penalties that road users must expect if they do not take their compliance with the emergency route so seriously:

• Anyone who stops in traffic on the motorway or on an out-of-town road does not form a proper lane for the passage of police or rescue vehicles must expect a fine of 200 euros and two points in Flensburg.
• If this actually hampers emergency personnel, it is already 240 euros with two points and one month driving ban.
• If this results in a risk, the penalty increases to 280 euros, two points and one month driving ban.
• If this results in property damage, 320 euros, two points and one month driving ban are due.

(Vb)