Nanaimo RCMP, BCAA representatives and tow truck drivers were rain-soaked, but they hope they made the streets a little safer for roadside workers during a ‘slow down, move over’ event in Nanaimo.
The operation was carried out Thursday, Oct. 27, on the Nanaimo Parkway near the Northfield Road rest stop.
Motorists in B.C. are required to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped alongside the road that have flashing red, blue or yellow lights, but many drivers remain unaware of the laws around safely approaching a tow truck vehicle with its lights engaged. BCAA tow truck drivers have noticed that there is more frustration and aggression on the roads, which puts roadside workers in danger of serious injury or death, according to a press release.
BCAA and the Nanaimo RCMP’s joint initiative was meant to educate the public to be aware of the dangers that exist for workers and emergency vehicles on the side of the road when motorists fail to slow down and move over.
During Thursday’s two-hour enforcement exercise, police pulled over and handed warning letters to 53 drivers.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said more people appeared to be complying with the rule compared to previous ‘slow down, move over’ events. During the most recent similar enforcement exercise at that location, 110 drivers were pulled over.
READ ALSO: 100 drivers pulled over in Nanaimo and warned about roadside worker safety
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