To avoid a hefty fine and several demerit points, anyone driving on Ontario roads this weekend should make an effort to move over for flashing lights.
With 932 "move over" charges already laid on Ontario roads this year, the OPP are conducting a campaign over the Civic Holiday long weekend to make sure everyone is getting the message.
"Any driver who has had to pull over to the roadside of a busy highway or road knows how unnerving and unsafe it feels to see traffic clipping by at close proximity," said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair. "We need all drivers to be mindful of this when they see police, other emergency personnel and tow truck drivers on the roadside carrying out their public safety duties. Slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles, if safe to do so, will help reduce the number of these preventable collisions and allow those who provide help at the roadside to do their jobs safely."
There were six incidents in 2017 where an OPP vehicle was stopped on the roadside and was struck from behind while its emergency lights were activated. A total of 2,137 charges were also laid against those who failed to adhere to the law in 2017.
Anyone caught not obeying the "move over" law could face a $400 to $2,000 fine, as well as three demerit points upon conviction. Anyone caught more than once could get slapped with a $1,000 to $4,000 fine, and even up to six months in jail.
"When you see a stopped tow truck or emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, move over and give them the room they need to do their job. It's not only the right thing to do, it's the law," said Michael Tibollo, minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.