A new era for ambulances in Istanbul: Radio warnings in traffic begin
A new system is being implemented in Istanbul to help ambulances move faster in traffic. In cases where sirens are not heard, warning announcements will be sent to in-car radios.
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An important step has been taken to ensure ambulances do not lose time in Istanbul traffic. Specialist doctors working at the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate's Emergency Health Services Department have developed a special device that can reach drivers directly during moments when sirens cannot be heard due to heavy noise and congested traffic.
ANNOUNCEMENTS VIA FM FREQUENCY
This device, mounted on ambulances, will operate on the FM band to automatically send a warning signal to the radios of vehicles within approximately 50 meters. Thus, in-car radios will activate simultaneously, and drivers will be informed directly.
"PLEASE GIVE WAY TO THE AMBULANCE"
With the implementation of the system, announcements such as "Please give way to the ambulance," "Please give way to the approaching ambulance," and "Please give way to life by applying the zipper system" will be heard on radios. This will allow drivers to give way in a controlled manner without panicking.
GOAL: TO INCREASE PATIENTS' CHANCE OF SURVIVAL
The new project aims both to help ambulances move faster and to increase awareness of the zipper method among drivers. It is also planned to prevent secondary accidents that may occur due to panic caused by siren sounds.
TIME LOSS WILL BE PREVENTED
It is stated that with the system coming into effect, the waiting time for ambulances at intersections and traffic lights will decrease, and emergency patients will be reached in a shorter time. In the long term, the project is expected to instill the understanding that "Giving way to an ambulance is not a choice, it is a matter of life."
COMPATIBLE WITH EU STANDARDS
The study is also considered a model that can be integrated with traffic safety projects at the European Union level.