Hamilton Fire, Police and Paramedics launched a campaign Thursday, aimed at increasing awareness of the “Move Over Law”, which requires drivers to either slow down or switch lanes when approaching first responders and tow truck drivers on the side of the road. But many people just aren’t getting the message…
Aaron Classic, a tow truck driver says he sees drivers speeding past him all the time while he’s on the side of the road. “People just don’t pay attention, some people get distracted by the lights and they’ll actually move towards you as they’re driving, as they’re looking at you.”
“A couple of weeks ago I was helping a gentleman with a rear flat tire, on his big work van. I get out of my truck, people aren’t moving over, and i’m literally feeling the wind come off her car; having to step in between my truck and the van which is also dangerous; if someone hits me, I’m gonna get sandwiched right?”
These kinds of incidents are what’s prompted Hamilton First Repsonders to launch a campaign to drive the message home.
“Since 1989, 5 OPP officers were killed because of this type of incident, and here in Hamilton, we are seeing an increase in our officers, fire dept, EMS and tow agencies.” that’s according to Hamilton Police, Claus Wagner.
Hamilton Fire, Claudio Mostacci remembers a particular incident, “It happened to me over at Station 9 on Kenilworth Avenue and I had the stop sign, out , because at that time we had to back our fire truck in, and I had a stop sign out and the person did not stop. They went right around me. It’s a dangerous situation we’re put in.”
“Ontario drivers still don’t understand that every time an emergency services personnel or tow truck driver, or we get out of our cruiser, there’s a high likelihood of something bad happening and they don’t seem to want to slow down and move over.” says Wagner.
The campaign will last a month and will have extra officers out, ticketing drivers who don’t comply, which carries a $490 fine and 3 demerit points and if it happens again within 5 years, the driver could face a $4000 fine and possible jail time.
