Drivers hitting the roads this long weekend will be targeted, warn cops.
During the 2012 Civic holiday long weekend, “we lost five people in motor vehicle collisions within OPP jurisdiction and this year our officers will be on alert for people who display aggressive driving habits, those who drive while impaired or distracted, and those who are not wearing seat belts,” said OPP highway safety Chief Supt. Don Bell in a statement.
In addition, motorists must move over when approaching a police, fire or ambulance vehicle in the same direction of travel, stopped with its lights flashing.
“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,” said deputy commissioner Larry Beechey, provincial commander of traffic safety and operational support.
The move over law was introduced in 2003.
Failing to move over yields a $400 to $2,000 fine, plus three demerit points upon conviction.
OPP officers will also be monitoring waterways and trails.
This year alone, six people have died in off-road vehicle incidents — alcohol was a factor in four of those fatalities, said Bell.
kelly.roche@sunmedia.ca
@ottawasunkroche
MOVE OVER, DRIVERS
-Police, fire and ambulance vehicles respond to urgent calls. Precious time lost getting there could mean the difference between life and death.
WHAT TO DO
-On a multi-lane highway (max. 100km/h speed limit): Slow down, signal and move to the right. If possible, pull as close as you can to the right side of the roadway and stop when safe to do so. Do not move onto the shoulder.
-On a two-lane road: Signal and move to the right. Pull as close as possible to the right edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop.
-On a one-way street: Signal and pull to the right or the left side of the street, clear of any intersection, and stop.
-At intersections: Traffic in an intersection or approaching from all directions must yield to an emergency vehicle until it passes through the intersection. Never block the intersection. Do not make a left turn if an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind. In this situation, the motorist should proceed straight through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop.
REMINDER: It’s illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres.
Source: Ministry of Transportation
http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/07/30/opp-warn-holiday-weekend-roadsters-were-out-to-get-you
Kelly Roche - Storyteller 