Local police are reminding drivers about a law they say helps keep officers and other emergency personnel safe on the road.
The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario requires all drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the highway with its lights activated.
If the highway has more than one lane, all drivers must move over – if it can be done safely – leaving at least one lane between their vehicle and the parked emergency vehicle.
Wellington County OPP officials say officers were busy during the Canada Day long weekend monitoring traffic and enforcing the “move over” law.
“While most incidences don’t get reported many officers admit to having scary situations with passing traffic while at the side of the road with a motorist,” stated a press release from the OPP.
“Most recently a member of the Wellington County traffic team reports having a car brush the back of her duty belt while … (she) was at the side of the Hanlon Expressway.”
Wellington County OPP Detachment Commander Scott Lawson said, “There’s no excuse for a driver not slowing down and if applicable, moving over when they see emergency personnel at the side of the road with its lights activated.
“By not doing so they are putting the officer or emergency personnel at risk and the consequences can be tragic.”
Failure to comply with the law can result in a fine of $400 to $2,000 and three demerit points.
Subsequent offences can result in a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, possible licence suspension and a possible jail sentence of up to six months.
Police say it is the responsibility of all motorists to know and obey the Highway Traffic Act. For information, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca.
