Provincial police are urging drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles ahead of the Civic Holiday long weekend.
The Ontario Provincial Police said every year, hundreds of drivers ignore the Move Over Law and deny emergency personnel the safe space needed to carry out their duties.
In 2022, the OPP laid 846 charges against drivers who failed to slow down and safely move over a lane for approaching emergency vehicles with their emergency lights activated.
So far this year, more than 600 charges have been laid for the same road violations.
Failing to move over for first responders carries a fine of $490 to $2,000 fine plus three demerit points upon conviction. Those who violate the law again can face up to a $4,000 fine, up to six months in jail and a driver’s licence suspension.
Since 1989, five OPP officers have been killed while on duty on the roadside after their vehicles were struck by approaching vehicles.
