The Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers to slow down and move over when approaching vehicles with flashing lights.
May 14th marked National Slow Down and Move Over Day, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of driving responsibly around emergency and maintenance personnel working on the roads. While the day has come and gone, the RCMP says driving responsibly, especially when crews are working, is a year-round requirement.
Police say whether it’s an officer conducting a traffic stop, a paramedic or firefighter attending an accident, or a maintenance worker or tow truck performing roadside repairs, slowing down and leaving space for them to work is non-negotiable.
“Whenever you have someone that has the emergency lights on, we’re reminding the public to just slow down and move over if it is safe to do so,” Mathew Howell with the Alberta RCMP says. “At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be able to go home safe.”
If you see flashing lights while on the roads, drivers are asked to follow a few tips to make sure workers, and you, get home safe.
Law enforcement says if you encounter flashing lights, you should reduce your speed to 60 kilometres per hour or lower, move over one lane, and be prepared to stop as roadside workers may be moving around their vehicles.
Additionally, drivers are reminded to not film or take photos of emergency scenes as you pass, use caution in poor weather as visibility can pose challenges for crews, and avoid distractions at all times while behind the wheel.
