A driver has come under scrutiny after appearing to remain in front of a Sengkang General Hospital ambulance for nearly a full minute despite the emergency vehicle having its siren and warning lights activated on Singapore’s Central Expressway.
The incident happened at around 11.30pm on Sept 18 along the CTE near the Kampong Java Tunnel. Footage recorded by a motorcyclist showed a blue Mitsubishi travelling in front of the ambulance in the rightmost lane while traffic around them appeared relatively light.
According to the footage, the driver had several opportunities to move aside but continued travelling ahead of the ambulance. The motorcyclist eventually rode alongside the car and appeared to signal to the driver to change lanes.
It was only after almost a minute that the car moved over, allowing the ambulance to continue its journey. The video was later shared with SG Road Vigilante and had attracted more than 270,000 views by the time of the report.
The incident also drew attention because an earlier caption accompanying the video had suggested that the ambulance was tailgating the car. The footage itself, however, shows the ambulance behind the Mitsubishi with its emergency warnings activated.
Under Singapore’s Road Traffic Rules, an authorised ambulance responding to an urgent call has the right of way when it signals its approach with a recognised audible warning. Other traffic is required to move as close as possible to the edge of the road and stop to provide a clear passage.
Failing to give way to emergency vehicles is an offence. According to the police information cited in the report, drivers of light vehicles who commit the offence can face a fine of up to S$150 and four demerit points. Police had been contacted to establish whether a report was lodged over the incident.
The importance of clearing a path for emergency vehicles is especially significant when an ambulance is responding to a medical emergency. Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and severe bleeding can require rapid treatment, meaning delays on the road can have serious consequences.
The video has renewed discussion among motorists about what they should do when an ambulance approaches with its siren sounding. For drivers, the key issue is not simply moving out of the way — it is doing so promptly and safely so the emergency vehicle can pass without obstruction.
On a busy expressway, even a delay of less than a minute can become critical when someone is waiting for urgent medical help.
