Provincial police will be targeting drivers this long weekend who fail to move over for emergency crews.
The OPP say 2,031 charges were laid last year under the “Move Over” law – the second highest since it was enacted in 2013. The only year that saw more charges was 2008.
According to the OPP, seven police vehicles, three ambulances and a tow truck were struck, while stopped on the shoulder of a highway in 2015.
“Making a traffic or emergency stop on the shoulder of a busy highway or road sets a dangerous stage for police officers and our road safety partners, due to the risk of being struck, injured or killed by approaching vehicles whose drivers are not paying full attention,” said OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair in a statement.
Over the Civic holiday long weekend, the OPP will be conducting an enforcement and education campaign.
Under the Move Over law, drivers are required to slow down and shift to a lane that is not adjacent to the shoulder. The law doesn’t just pertain to emergency crews, but also tow truck drivers.
The law carries a fine that ranges between $400 and $2,000, as well as three demerit points.
“We are counting on all drivers to help ensure the safety of everyone by slowing down and, on multi-lane highways, safely moving over.”
With thousands of people heading north, the OPP are say they will have no tolerance this weekend for the “big four”: Seatbelt compliance, aggressive and impaired driving, and distracted driving.
Police are reminding drivers they will be out both in the air and on the ground in marked and unmarked vehicles.
