In 2009, B.C. introduced a new traffic law regarding emergency vehicles called Slow Down and Pull Over.
But it seems a lot of motorists still haven’t gotten the message.
On Thursday, RCMP caught more than 75 motorists in Summerland in only 30 minutes who did not pull over when they encountered a tow truck with its emergency lights flashing on Highway 97.
Under the new legislation, motorists are required to slow down and move into the left lane, leaving the right lane free.
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Many drivers automatically think of emergency vehicles as police cruisers, ambulances and fire trucks.
But they do not realize that tow trucks have also been added to the list.
“The emergency workers cannot always predict what’s going to happen and he’s going to take up some of the lane to have the emergency dealt with to clear up the highway,” said RCMP Corporal Dave Cramm.
“Working on the road is very dangerous,” said tow truck driver Wayne Landriault. “People won’t move over and give you an inch. I have been knocked down on a road in town. I was clipped and knocked down while wearing a vest, with my emergency lights activated.”
Luckily for the offending motorists, police treated it as an educational exercise, meaning they were handing out warnings instead of tickets.
In addition to tow trucks, the new emergency vehicle legislation also covers conservation officers, park rangers and transportation inspectors.
Violators face a fine of $173 and three penalty points.
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