A news release from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has noted that the number of drivers cited for failing to follow the Move Over law has hit an all time high.
For more than 10 years, the OPP has attempted to educate the public about moving over for emergency vehicles, unfortunately, during this time more than 11,000 charges have been filed.
According to the Highway Traffic Act, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the highway with its lights activated. If the roadway is more than one lane, the law requires the driver to move over and leave one lane between the emergency vehicle and their vehicle if it can be done safely. Failing to follow the law may result in a fine between $400 and $2,000, plus three demerit points.
In 2013, more than 1,500 charges were filed against drivers who failed to move over; this is a 40 percent increase from 2010.
“The OPP would like to see full compliance with this law indicating that drivers are fully on board with helping us keep officers and all other emergency responders safe on the roadside,” said Chief Superintendent Chuck Cox in a public statement.
Since 1989, at least five OPP officers have been killed by a motor vehicle while doing their job, many others have been injured. It is important for drivers to check their blind spot when moving over to avoid causing a collision as well.
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