Traffic cam footage shows the danger of ignoring 'Move Over' laws

[TowNews]

This title could easily have been about a GTA tow driver getting hit

Just another traffic update from the police, a chopper letting people know where the latest tangle on our deadly highways is taking place. But take a look at that video. Vehicles continue to whistle by within a metre of the vested responder, oblivious to two salient points: the law requires you to slow down and change lanes when you come upon a roadside situation like this; and secondly, you’re a jackass if you don’t.

 

Not even two weeks ago, a Calgary tow truck operator was killed as he responded to a call. The law in every province, as well as every American state, couldn’t be more clear: slow down and move over. They’re called “move over” laws.

 

As we noted in the Calgary piece, Ontario Provincial Police laid the “failure to move over” charge 9300 times between 2015 and 2000. The law has been in effect since 2002, but it’s still a surprise to many, apparently. First responders get injured and killed because drivers can’t be bothered to pay attention to what is happening in front of them. In Ontario, a conviction comes with a fine between $400 and $2000 for a first offence and three demerit points.

 

But come on, people. A reflective vest is no armour against cars blasting past at 100 km/h (and far more). You’re ensconced in your temperature-controlled, easy-listening, phone-call-having pleasuredome, and you can’t muster the decent — and legal — patience to slow down and ensure that those who aren’t, stay safe?

 

These are the people we call when we are injured, scared, vulnerable, or frantic. Don’t endanger them by deciding the arrival at your destination can’t be delayed 30 seconds to keep them safe.

 

https://driving.ca/auto-news/driver-info/traffic-cam-footage-shows-the-danger-of-ignoring-move-over-laws