Calgary police, RCMP and the AMA have launched a road safety campaign aimed at educating drivers on the dos and don’ts of passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

“Whether it’s an ambulance, fire truck, police cruiser or a tow truck, the law indicates you should slow down to 60 km/h or less and if safe to do so, pull over into the far lane” says CPS Cst. Jim Lebedeff. “These simple steps can play a large role in assisting those that are in need.”

Police will be out on the streets of Calgary and highways of Alberta educating drivers to get them to slow down when passing emergency vehicles and crews to give them room to work.

“For our people out rescuing stranded motorists, that roadside scene is their office. Everyone deserves a safe workplace,” says AMA’s Traffic Safety Coordinator Liam Crotty, “At the end of the day we just want to make it home safe and sound to our families. When you see those flashing lights it’s important to slow down and give us room to work.”

With the August long weekend approaching, RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs are also reminding highway travellers to take note of emergency vehicles and tow trucks that could be out rescuing stranded motorists.

“The Queen Elizabeth II is a very busy highway, and will be even busier over Heritage Day weekend,” says RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brian Johannson. “Motorists need to respect the give us room to work law that is place to protect emergency workers by slowing down to 60 km/h, and if safe, by moving over one lane.”

“Everyone deserves a safe place to work. Whether it is a tow truck operator, police officer, or other emergency workers, they’re doing their job, which is often helping other people.” says AMA’s Traffic Safety Coordinator Liam Crotty, “When you see those flashing lights it’s important to slow down and give us room to work. Those aren’t just emergency vehicles at the side of the road, those are people with homes and loved ones of their own.”

When an ambulance, fire or police emergency vehicle is approaching from any direction and is sounding a siren, motorists must:

  • Yield the right-of-way
  • Safely move your vehicle to allow the emergency vehicle passage
  • Drive as closely as possible to the right curb or edge of a two-way roadway
  • Move right or left to the nearest curb

When passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks, motorists must:

  • Reduce speed to 60 km/h or the posted speed, whichever is lower
  • This law applies to the lane(s) immediately next to the stopped vehicles
  • If you are not in the lane next to the stopped vehicles reduce speed and leave lots of space between yourself and emergency personnel and equipment at the scene

The fine for speeding in these areas is double the normal fine levied for driving over the speed limit.

For more information, visit the Alberta Transportation and RCMP websites.