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Drivers tested on Slow Down Move Over awareness
This past Tuesday (Feb. 27), East Kootenay motorists were put to the test.
The concept was simple: would drivers slow down and move over when they saw flashing red, blue, and amber lights?
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting teamed up with Cranbrook RCMP, Cranbrook Professional Fire Fighters Local 1253 Fire Department, Van Horne Towing and CVSE to stage a roadside “incident” for drivers to approach along Highway 3/95 west of the city.
In the 2.5 hours that the emergency vehicles were set up, approximately 175 drivers were in violation of the Slow Down Move Over legislation, Mainroad reported today (Feb. 29).
The RCMP pulled over drivers who didn’t move over and were travelling above the Slow Down Move Over speed limit.
The goal of the operation was to improve the safety of first responders, highway maintenance workers and tow operators,
said Inspector Chad Badry, Officer in Charge of Kootenay Highway Patrol. We are asking drivers to ‘slow down and move over’ to make our highways safer for emergency responders and roadside workers.
Instead of fines, these drivers were issued warnings and pamphlets with information and education on the importance of slowing down and moving over.
“On the flip side, there were many people who practiced safe driving and did indeed slow down and move over. These drivers were rewarded with $20 gift cards. The variety of personnel at the setup congratulated these drivers and thanked them for helping their teams get home safely,” Mainroad noted.
Mainroad crews truly appreciate these drivers. It’s because of them that roadside workers are able to get home to their families at the end of the day. It’s a dangerous job working along the roads and highways, and the different crews thank everyone who does their part to help keep them safe.
Motorists must slow their speed to 70km/h when in an 80km/h or over zone— or 40km/h when in an under 80km/h zone. If it’s possible to move into another lane to pass a stopped vehicle, they should do so when safe.
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting photo
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