Nova Scotia is reminding drivers to always be careful when they see emergency vehicles working on highways.
To help get the word out the province is installing eight new signs at entry points across the province and are launching a social media campaign highlighting the protocol for what drivers should do when they see passing a first responder or tow truck that is stopped on the side of the road with its emergency lights activated:
- Slow down
- Move over
“Responding to people who need help is an important job and it can be dangerous if other drivers don’t take these precautions,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “We all have a responsibility to make these situations as safe as possible, and these signs promote what we need to do when we see flashing lights.”
The signs were recommended by first responder groups and are based on similar public awareness campaigns in jurisdictions across North America.
Under the law, when going by a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with its flashing lights on, drivers need to slow down to 60 km/h or obey the speed limit if it is lower than 60 km/h. They also need to move into a lane farther away from the stopped vehicle if they can do so safely.
The signs are located in Yarmouth (two), Digby, Amherst, Pictou, Sydney, North Sydney and at Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Fines for not slowing down or not moving over start at more than $350 for a first offence.
