Emergency personnel stopped for an incident at the side of the road are sometimes in danger. Often, they are placed in close proximity to vehicles travelling at extremely high rates of speed.
Since 1995, several members of the Ontario Provincial Police have been killed as a direct result of a motor vehicle collision when their cruisers were parked on the shoulder of the road.
“That's my biggest fear out here, is wondering one day if that vehicle is going to plow into my police vehicle,” said Constable Nazzero, Greater Sudbury Police Services.
Ontario's Highway Traffic Act now requires motorists to slow down and pass with caution when approaching a police, fire or ambulance vehicle stopped at the side of the road with it's lights flahsing. If the raod has two or more lanes, the motorist must move over into the far left lane if it can be done safely.
Failure to do so could result in a fine of $490 and six demerit points.
Despite countless tickets being issues recently, police say that some people just aren't getting the message.
The legislation is designed to increase the safety of emergency personnel.
