Provincial police are reminding motorists it’s the law to move over for emergency vehicles.
Police say the move over law, which came into effect in 2003, requires drivers to slow down and move over when emergency vehicles approach or are parked along the side of the road.
Constable Kevin Martin says the fine for failing to do so ranges from $400 to $2,000 and three demerit points.
He says it's important to give emergency workers the necessary space.
"If you see those red lights and hear the sirens, please pull to the right let them pass," says Martin. "When you have an emergency situation, time does matter, the faster we can arrive to help somebody the better we can make the situation for them."
He says traffic stops can be very dangerous for officers.
"If you happen to be out there and see a police officer on the side of the road talking to a motorist, please slow down and give them that room," says Martin. "One of the most dangerous things officers do, is get out on the side of the road."
Martin says the OPP laid 2,031 charges under the province's move over law last year, the highest annual total since 2008.
Since 1989, five OPP officers have been struck and killed by approaching vehicles.
