WINNIPEG – They pull over on the side of the road to help motorists to safety, but tow-truck drivers say doing so comes with a major risk.
“It’s shocking,” says Mike Mager of CAA.
CAA Manitoba and the RCMP staged a tow-truck scene on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway near St. Francois Xavier on Wednesday.
Of 316 vehicles that passed the truck, only four slowed down and moved to the outside lane.
The province introduced legislation last September that would see drivers fined $300 and dealt two demerit points if they fail to slow down when passing an emergency vehicle, a law that includes tow trucks, police vehicles and ambulances. In 80 kilometre per hour or faster zones, motorists passing emergency vehicles should slow to 60 km/h; in zones where the posted speed is below 80, they should reduce their speed to 40 km/h.
“You got people speeding and speeding past an emergency vehicle,” said RCMP officer Const. Shawn Smith. “It’s unbelievable.”
Comments