I travel to and from work and I have been seeing many drivers in Bahrain misusing emergency lanes. These lanes are meant for ambulances, police cars, and roadside emergencies, but some drivers treat them like an extra lane when traffic is heavy.
This is not just bad driving behaviour, it is dangerous. Emergency lanes exist to save lives. When they are blocked, ambulances and fire trucks cannot move quickly. Even a short delay can make a serious difference in emergencies.
I recently saw two incidents that show how serious this issue has become. Recently, on Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway during evening traffic, several drivers were using the emergency lane to avoid congestion. When an ambulance approached, it struggled to pass because the lane was already full. Drivers then tried to move back into the main road at once, causing confusion and slowing things down even more.
In another case near a busy junction in Manama, a driver used the emergency lane to speed past traffic and then suddenly cut back into the regular lane. This nearly caused an accident with another car that was merging properly. Such actions are not only illegal but also put other people at risk.
Although traffic laws exist in Bahrain, stronger enforcement is needed. Authorities could increase fines, use more cameras to monitor roads, and run awareness campaigns to remind drivers why emergency lanes are important. Driving schools should also teach this more clearly so new drivers understand the risks.
At the same time, drivers must take responsibility. Many people use emergency lanes because they are in a hurry, but everyone on the road has somewhere to be. Following traffic rules shows respect for others and for human life. If this behavior continues, the problem will only get worse.
Bahrain has improved its roads and traffic systems over the years, but safety depends on both rules and people. It is important to address this issue now before a life is lost because help could not arrive in time.
Joseph Mathew
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