Did you know that motorists in B.C. have to slow down and move to an outer lane when a vehicle is stopped on the roadside with flashing red, blue or amber lights?
BCAA and Burnaby RCMP were out on Lougheed Highway were reminding motorists of just that during a roadside campaign earlier today aimed at getting the word out and protecting maintenance and utility workers, tow truck drivers, emergency responders and roadside assistance workers..
Under the Motor Vehicle Act, motorists in B.C. failing to abide by the law can face a penalty of $173 and three points on their license.
But that's nothing compared to the trauma and guilt that may arise from accidentally hitting someone on the road- resulting in severe injuries or death, Burnaby RCMP officer Const. Brian Lee said.
The ‘Slow Down, Move Over,’ campaign is organized by BCAA in partnership with RCMP, who team up to hold two to three "activations" per year, said Chris Bernaerts, BCAA spokesperson and roadside assistance fleet manager.
“We usually have three locations for every activation,” he said. “One in Lower Mainland, one in Vancouver Island, and one in Kelowna.”
Last week in Kelowna, drivers were pulled over, given letters of warning and told that during regular enforcement, they would have been ticketed.
According to the province, between 2008 and 2017, over 230 workers were injured by motor vehicles failing to abide by this law, and 12 were killed.
“When you see flashing lights, it is a cue for you to slow down, not speed up,” Burnaby RCMP officer added.
If the speed limit posted is 80km/h or more, motorists are required to slow down to 70km/h. If the speed posted is less than 80km/h, motorists are required to slow down to 40 km/h. When travelling on a multi-lane road, drivers must move to the farthest lane and slow down.
