Local first responders are sounding the alarm about how many drivers are handling an encounter with an emergency vehicle, whether that vehicle is travelling to an incident or stopped at a scene.
Perth East Fire Chief Bill Hunter said motorists who fail to move over for first responders are wasting precious time in what are often life-threatening situations.
Both the fire department and police are asking the public to be fully aware when driving. Drivers should be aware of not only the vehicles travelling in front of them but also vehicles approaching from behind and those parked on the roadside. As a driver, if you see an emergency vehicle with its lights/siren on, slow down and move over.
A new video launched on Friday is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of pulling over for emergency vehicles.
The law requires drivers to slow down and move over if safe to do so for all tow trucks, police, ambulance and fire emergency vehicles with their emergency lights activated.
“Imagine a loved one calls you asking for help, but you couldn’t help them because other people prevented you from getting there in time,” said Hunter, “that is how emergency responders feel when they are trying to get to a scene to help someone and drivers don’t move over. Precious time is wasted that could otherwise be spent saving lives.”
“Moving over for emergency vehicles doesn’t cost you a thing,” said Perth County OPP Constable Barry Cookson, “but when you encounter those vehicles and don’t move over, it could cost you a $490 ticket, 3 demerit points or more importantly, it could cost someone their life.”
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique stated in a recent news release, "There have been close to 700 incidents in the past five years in which an OPP vehicle was struck Locaby another vehicle while parked or stopped on the roadside. When our officers and emergency partners are assisting people on the roadside, please slow down and move over if safe to do so, and help them get home safely to their families."
