The unofficial end to summer is prompting a reminder to motorists from Halifax RCMP Metro Traffic Services on what to do when approaching emergency responders pulled over on the roadside.

This weekend, RCMP anticipate larger then normal volumes of traffic on all roads and highways throughout the province. Education and enforcement initiatives will be underway and as a result RCMP will be roadside dealing with various traffic related. The duties of emergency responders are inherently dangerous; this law makes it an offence to speed in excess of the posted limit or 60km/h, which ever is the lesser of the two when passing a stopped emergency vehicle exhibiting flashing lights. Motorists are also required to change lanes to the lane furthest from the stopped emergency vehicle if that lane is free and it is safe to do so.

CST. Kerri Leyte, an RCMP Traffic Services officer said; ‘On a regular basis motorists continue to drive by at high rates of speed when the police have a vehicle stopped roadside with the emergency lights activated. The law states the passing motorist must move over into the farthest lane or slow down to 60 km/hr or follow the speed limit if it’s less’.

Although the Move Over this legislation has been in place for over four years, RCMP continue to observe a high number of motorists not abiding by the legislation. In 2014 alone, Halifax District RCMP/ Metro Traffic Services have issued 98 Summary Offence tickets to motorists for failing to slow down and move over when approaching emergency personnel.

Source: Release