(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Everyday, police, fire and ambulance vehicles respond to urgent calls. Any time lost getting there could mean the difference between life and death. Reacting to an emergency vehicle; do you know what to do? It is the responsibility of all licenced drivers to understand and obey the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act. It has been nine years since the Ontario Highway Traffic Act was amended to improve the safety of motorists and emergency workers. Reducing speed, exercising caution and creating space between a moving vehicle and a parked emergency vehicle can save lives.
Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act requires motorists when approaching a police, fire or ambulance vehicle that is stopped with its red lights flashing in the same direction of travel to slow down and pass with caution. If the roadway has two or more lanes of traffic on the same side of the highway as the side on which the emergency vehicle is stopped, the driver shall move into another lane if the movement can be made safely.
If an emergency vehicle is moving toward your vehicle with its lights flashing and/or siren sounding the driver shall bring the vehicle to a stop as near as possible to the right hand curb or the edge of the roadway.
Be alert and safe behind the wheel. Avoid distractions, keep a good eye lead and check your rear-view mirrors often. Check to make sure the highway is clear before pulling back onto the highway.
A conviction for a first offence will result in a fine ranging from $400 to $2,000 plus 3 demerit points.