CRI听力:Give Way to the Fire Engine

The controversial clip showing drivers refusing giving way to the fire engine became headline news in many media outlets as well as a hot topic among the public.

Many people think it's the result of declining moral standards, and believe, this kind of act which harms public interest should be curbed by law.

"The moral bottom line is declining. Plus, if I don't give way to you, I won't get any punishment, I did it, so what? However, I think we lack of specific, detailed, and feasible laws. For instance, if only one car rushes ahead of the fire engine, you can just give the driver a ticket, but what if all the cars in front of the fire engine won't give way, should the police give all of them ticket?"

Some netizens uploaded videos to make a comparison with the same situation in other countries. Two of them show that all drivers in Russia and Germany voluntarily give way to fire engines when they hear the siren, though the roads are also very busy.

Another interviewee says, traffic can be another reason for the problem.

"I think it's a matter of traffic. The road in Guijie is very busy during rush hours. I may give way to the fire engine, but those who won't do it, I guess their excuse is 'I am in a hurry too. I'll make the best use of every opportunity'. Perfecting the law is a must, also, promoting people's awareness of caring public interest is necessary."

Indeed the Fire Control Law stipulates that other vehicles should give way to fire engines when they are on emergency missions. However, the fire fighters usually don't have enough time to deal with some drivers' improper behavior, and no specific implementation procedure is another reason for the behaviour shown on the video clip.

The incident triggered heated discussion on the internet.

Some think that the video clip is a reflection of people's resentment about many official's abusing their privilege of using the siren.

Some suggest that fire engines install high-definition cameras on their windscreens, so that, when the same situation happens, they can use the recorded video as evidence to sue those in breach of the law.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.