February 27, 2023 4:00am
On the heels of an OPP campaign aimed at protecting first responders, police in Saugeen Shores will launch their own “Move Over” campaign on Monday.
From February 27 to March 3, Saugeen Shores police officers will focus on motorists who fail to move over to give enough space to emergency responders at the side of th road.
“One of the most dangerous functions our officers undertake is conducting traffic stops on busy highways,” said Sgt. Andy Evans. “Officers, and the motorist they are dealing with, are vulnerable while stationary at roadside.”
In the last year, the Saugeen Shores Police Service has lost one vehicle that was struck by a motorist while it was stationary during an incident.
The “Move Over Law” calls for motorists being pulled over to move as far to the right as possible so they don’t block the lanes on highways, or to proceed straight through an intersection before pulling to the right. If you’re on a one-way street, you can pull to the left side of the road if necessary. Motorists approaching a stopped emergency vehicle are also required to move to the left if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, they must slow down and pass with caution. If a road has two or more lanes, drivers should move out to leave space for the emergency vehicle if it’s safe to do so. In 2015 the “Move Over Law” expanded to include tow trucks.
Motorist who fail to follow the law can face fines up to $2,000 and if convicted, as well as three demerit points and a licence suspension up to two years.