Despite the fact that Move Over laws have been in place for nearly seven years, every day RCMP officers see drivers failing to obey the law.
The legislation dictates that a driver must slow down and move to the left—if there is room to do so—when they encounter police, fire, ambulance and other designated emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
RCMP released two recent videos that illustrate the hazards faced by officers in the line of duty.
Both videos feature Cpl. Matt Christie during traffic stops. In the first clip, a transport truck speeds past Cpl. Christie as he approaches the driver’s window of a vehicle, causing the hat to blow off his head.
In the second video, Cpl. Christie shifts forward as a vehicle passes by at high speed in the right-hand lane.
He just wants drivers to be aware and mindful of first responders and others who work to keep the roads and public safe—all of whom have a family or loved one they want to come home to at the end of their shift.
What you need to know, according to the RCMP
- Upon approaching a stopped emergency or designated vehicle that has its emergency equipment activated, drivers traveling in the same direction must reduce their speed by at least 30 km/h less than the posted speed limit and where necessary, come to a stop.
- A driver is to pass by the emergency vehicle only when it is safe to do so.
- Change lanes if there is another lane available for traveling in the same direction or place as much distance as is possible in the same lane and only if it is safe to do so.
- Emergency vehicles include police vehicles, ambulances and fire trucks
- Designated vehicles include tow trucks, search and rescue vehicles, and public utility vehicles.
