Slow down, move to the left for stopped emergency vehicles
The RCMP in New Brunswick reminds motorists of the Move Over law in New Brunswick.
The legislation was enacted in January of 2013 making it mandatory for any motorist coming upon an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its emergency lights flashing to slow down and move to the left.
A motorist is required to slow down and move to the left if it is safe to do so when passing a stopped a police vehicle, fire truck or ambulance. If there is traffic coming from the opposite direction or it's not safe to move to the left, the motorist must slow down while going by the first responder.
By moving over, a motorist is creating a safe space for first responders to carry out their work while on the shoulder of the road or highway whether it is police doing a traffic stop, firefighters at a fire scene or paramedics treating a person in medical distress.
Unfortunately we still see drivers not abiding by the law and passing too close to first responders at high rates of speed.
Several RCMP New Brunswick police officers share their thoughts on what it's like to work on the side of road while hearing and feeling traffic speeding by them.
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"Once when I stopped a vehicle, a car passed and their side mirror clipped me. Luckily, I wasn't hurt. Please move over. " Cst. Stephane Dugas, Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit.
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"I am always aware of traffic when I am with a stopped vehicle on the side of the road. Hearing traffic approaching fast means I must be ready to get out of the way if something happens. Please move over." Cst. Raymond Gautreau, Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit
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"When I'm on the side of the road with a stopped vehicle, there is always the concern that the driver passing me is not aware I'm there. There is little room to get out of the way. Please move over." Cst. Francois Labrie, Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit
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"I can feel the wind run down my neck when a vehicle passes me too close. I am constantly thinking, is the driver paying attention and do they see me? Please move over." Cpl. Valérie Cyr; Southeast District RCMP
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"Each time I step out of my car to speak to a driver on the side of the road, I must always think of my safety. I must always be aware of those in the vehicle and someone speeding by me and passing too close. Please move over." Cst. Brigitte Buckle, Sackville RCMP
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"When I stop a vehicle on the side of the highway that has two-way traffic I constantly feel the vibration of passing vehicles when they are moving too fast or too close to me. Please move over, so I have a safe space to work." Cst. Kimberly Abbott, Elsipogtog Detachment.
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