THUNDER BAY — It seems a lot of drivers are unaware the law requires motorists to move over and proceed with caution when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along the highway with lights flashing.
This is under Section 159 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, dubbed "the move over law."
During a one-day blitz in the Thunder Bay area on Sept. 19, OPP and the Ministry of Transportation issued 27 charges for violations of Section 159 as well as other infractions.
Constable Jim Thomson said "We want to remind the public and professional drivers, such as transport trucks, that they must slow down, proceed with caution, and move over to the other lane if it's a multi-lane highway such as [divided portions of] Highway 11/17. If it's a single-lane highway, such as Highway 61, ensure you slow down and provide sufficient room for the emergency vehicle while keeping yourself safe."
Any vehicle that has a siren, red, or red & blue flashing lights is considered an emergency vehicle, including police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, MTO enforcement vehicles, and even some public utility vehicles.
A conviction for a violation can result in fines from $400 to $2,000, plus three demerit points.
The Highway Traffic Act also requires drivers to pull to the right and stop when it's safe to do so, upon being approached from behind or from in front by an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or siren activated.
