Provincial police officers are urging drivers to move over during the busy August long weekend.
The OPP has planned a blitz to crack down on drivers disobeying the Ontario’s move over law.
The law applies to all motorists who are approaching a police, fire or ambulance vehicles in the same direction of travel, stopped on the roadside with lights flashing. Drivers are required to slow down and pass with caution, but if the road has multiple lanes, drivers must move over into another lane, if it can be done safely.
Far too many drivers ignore this law, says Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, head of traffic safety and operational support
“Since 1989, we have lost five OPP officers who were tending to their duties on the side of the road when they were killed by approaching vehicles and many of our emergency partners have also died at the hands of careless drivers in the same situation,” says Beechey.
Violating this law comes with a $400 to $1200 fine and three demerit points upon conviction.
Officers will also be on alert for people who display aggressive driving habits, drive while impaired or distracted and fail to wear seat belts.
Police will be highly visible on the water and on trails, laying charges against people who show a disregard for public safety while boating or off-roading this weekend.
