Move over and slow down when you see an emergency vehicle.
That’s what Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Constable Shawn Peever wants to see drivers doing more often. “The law requires that drivers slow down and proceed with caution when they approach an emergency vehicle or tow truck with its lights activated,” Peever says. Peever adds that you also need to make sure it’s safe to move over a lane.
“We need people to understand that there could be a greater increase or presence of people sliding off of the road,” Peever says. With that in mind, Peever says to expect to see more tow trucks on the road. Peever says residents need to respect that and leave room for them to work.
The law states that drivers must leave one lane between their vehicle and the emergency vehicle as long as it can be done safely. If you don’t, you could be fined between $400 and $2,000 and be given three demerit points.
“Slow down and move over when possible as you approach emergency vehicles parked on the side of the highway,” Peever says.