The RCMP say despite legislation that came into effect on May 1, the majority of the motoring public in Yarmouth, Digby, Shelburne and Annapolis counties are not slowing down when approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing.
According to the new legislation, motorists are required to slow down to 60 kilometres per hour, or the posted speed limit if it is less, when passing a parked emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing. Drivers traveling in a lane immediately adjacent to a stopped emergency vehicle must also move into another lane to pass if one is available and it is safe to do so.
But Corporal Andy Hamilton of the RCMP’s Western Traffic Services says he recently observed seven out of every 10 vehicles failing to reduce their speed while driving past a parked emergency vehicle on the highway. In each case the drivers said they had no knowledge of the new law.
The RCMP say it is important that everyone become familiar with the new law, which is designed to protect the safety of police, paramedics and other stopped emergency personnel.
The fines, including court costs, range from $340.21 to $2,410.21 depending on the speed of the vehicle. Many jurisdictions in Canada and the United States have similar legislation.
