Protect emergency responders: slow down and pull over

Dec 15, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Motorists are reminded to think about safety when driving through accidents and other emergency scenes.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services says, on a regular basis, emergency responders find themselves at motor vehicle incidents with heavy traffic continuing to flow past the site.

Some of those drivers are not slowing down, creating hazards for the workers, particularly when winter road conditions may be icy and can change quickly.

“Safety is our top priority; that includes the safety of all emergency responders, the individuals who we’re assisting, and those who are passing by an emergency scene,” Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hofsink said.

It’s actually a law in B.C. that motorists must slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped alongside the road that have flashing lights. This includes police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks and other roadside workers, maintenance workers, and utility workers.

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Motorists must slow their speed to:

70km/h when in a zone 80 km/h or more
40km/h when in a zone less than 80 km/h

However, motorists are also reminded to travel to road conditions, which may mean driving even slower if passing an emergency scene during poor road conditions or where there may be reduced travel lanes.

“We want everyone who responds to a roadside incident to return from that scene safe and sound – and for no one else to be put at risk for injury,” said Hofsink. “Therefore, we can’t thank the public enough for slowing down, being cautious, and doing their part to keep themselves, our responders, and everyone else safe on the road.”

by Pete McIntyre

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