Posted:
HRM Partners in Policing are urging motorists to ‘move over’ when passing stopped emergency vehicles.
Police are trying to keep all emergency personnel safe by reminding citizens of the 'move over' legislation under the Motor Vehicle Act. Unfortunately, while conducting traffic stops, officers routinely observe motorists who are not moving over or slowing down, making conducting these stops even more dangerous.
Police remind motorists that on a road with one lane of travel for your direction, slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit if it is less, when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing. On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit if it is less and move over into a lane further away from the stopped vehicle if you can do so safely.
Upon conviction, motorists could face a fine of $342.21 to $687.41 depending on the speed of the vehicle. This section of the Motor Vehicle Act was put in place to protect police officers, paramedics and other emergency personnel.
Everyone has a responsibility to keep the roadways safe.