British Columbia RCMP send reminder for drivers to “Slow Down and Move Over”

BRITISH COLUMBIA — In a media release the British Columbia RCMP are reminding drivers to watch their speed when passing police vehicles.

During the month of February, BC Highway Patrol say they will be out in force throughout the province to reinforce with motorists the need to “Slow Down and Move Over” for all vehicles stopped alongside the road that have lights flashing.

It’s an obvious lesson that should be learned before many drivers get their license, yet many forget the rules after years or decades of driving.

In BC, motorists must reduce their speed and move into the far lane to give extra space to stopped vehicles with flashing red, blue or yellow lights.

This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, construction, maintenance, and utility vehicles.

Drivers are required to reduce their speed to 70 km/h where the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, 40 km/h in a less than 80 km/h zone.

“Think of it as the 70/40 rule,” says Chief Superintendent Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC Highway Patrol.

“We want to ensure that not only emergency workers are safe, but that land surveyors, garbage collectors, animal control workers, and others who work on our roads are safe doing their work on the highways as well.”

“Our goal is to ensure drivers slow down and move over to prevent injuries or possible fatalities, says Turton. When our officers on the side of the road are helping motorists, it is extremely dangerous to have vehicles travelling by at top speeds.”

There are stiff penalties for failing to slow down and move over.

Drivers failing to adjust their speed or failing to move over may receive a $173 violation ticket, which also carries 3 driver penalty points.

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