Slow Down Move Over

Heed the law that helps create safer working conditions for first responders and roadside service providers.

By Waheeda Harris

For many first responders, including tow truck drivers, the roadside is their workplace. It’s important that motorists help ensure they stay safe while on the job. | PHOTO: RILEY SMITH/COURTESY OF CAA

AS A DRIVER, you’re using the road to get somewhere, but for first responders — including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and tow truck drivers — the road is their workplace. Working on the roadside exposes them to dangerous conditions and leaves them very vulnerable to speeding vehicles and aggressive drivers. Every year, there are collisions, injuries and even fatalities on our roadways that involve first responders and stranded motorists; most could be prevented if drivers remember to slow down and move over. That’s not just a powerful recommendation to protect those working on the road — Slow Down Move Over (SDMO) is the law.

While working to help motorists in need of roadside assistance, first responders find themselves in dangerous situations. The primary cause: distracted driving. According to recent road traffic safety stops, only half of drivers in Atlantic Canada are even aware of the Slow Down Move Over legislation.

The SDMO law requires drivers to reduce speed as they approach and pass emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles), as well as tow trucks parked on the side of any road. And if there is a second lane available, drivers must also move over — change lanes — to create a wider safety berth for people who are vulnerable on the roadside.

“Be prepared and look ahead while driving. Don't just focus on what's immediately in front of your vehicle.”

The rules, fines and penalties for non-compliant drivers vary from province to province. In Nova Scotia, you must slow down to 60 kilometres an hour, or observe speed limits if they are lower, and move over. The fine for speeding doubles, and the fine for not slowing down or moving over starts at $350, though a judge can impose a higher fine if circumstances warrant it. In Prince Edward Island, motorists must slow down to half the posted speed and move over; failing to do so will result in fines of up to $1,000 and three demerit points. Drivers in New Brunswick must reduce their speed to half the posted limit and move over; failure to comply will result in a fine of $292.50 and three demerit points. In Newfoundland and Labrador, motorists are required to drive 30 km/h below the posted speed and move over. Failure to do so can trigger a $390 fine and four demerit points for a first infraction.

Danny Sullivan, CAA’s director of roadside operations in Nova Scotia, has one piece of advice for drivers. “Be prepared and look ahead while driving. Don’t just focus on what’s immediately in front of your vehicle.”

Sullivan explains that when tow truck drivers arrive on the scene to assist a CAA Member, they are focused on safety. The tow truck driver parks behind the Member’s vehicle, displays flashing lights and uses the road shoulder as much as possible. The CAA Member is seated in the CAA tow truck for safety reasons. Traffic cones are placed on the road to create a safe zone for the tow truck driver to assess and do the required work.

Unfortunately, motorists aren’t always aware of the need to slow down and move over — and the dire consequences that can occur when they don’t comply. Across Canada, there have been too many injuries and fatalities involving first responders who are just doing their job on the roadside.

The Slow Down Move Over law was created to ensure that anyone aiding a stranded motorist is safe and protected while on the job. CAA

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