April 16, 2014
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL:
“Move Over” Law Protects Emergency and other Personnel at Roadside
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on our new “Move Over” legislation under the Highway Traffic Act, which came into effect on March 10. The law protects emergency, enforcement and other types of roadside assistance personnel as they carry out their duties at roadside.
Mr. Speaker, the “Move Over” law requires motorists to slow down and move over to an adjacent lane or otherwise safely give a wide berth when approaching designated vehicles and workers performing their duties by the side of the road.
The response we have had to this legislation has been overwhelmingly positive. Through our website and a targeted social media campaign, we have reached out to thousands of drivers. Key stakeholders including police forces and municipal enforcement agencies, utility companies such as Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power, roadside assistance companies, the media and the general public, have helped us spread our message that drivers need to slow down and move over. Our YouTube video, which provides animated examples of how to respond to the new law, is one of the most viewed videos on the Provincial Government’s YouTube channel.
Mr. Speaker, the practice of slowing down and moving over reflects safe, responsible driving. Motorists who choose to ignore the new law can be fined up to $900 and receive four demerit points on their driving record. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they operate their vehicles in a responsible manner to protect those working at the side of the road.
Mr. Speaker, the new “Move Over” law supports existing highway safety legislation that requires drivers to pull over and yield to emergency and enforcement vehicles which are approaching with sirens activated and lights flashing. It is essential that drivers obey the law in order to ensure that ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles are able to reach their destinations as quickly as possible in order to save lives and provide essential public safety services.
We encourage all drivers to visit our website at servicenl.gov.nl.ca to be sure they understand the law. By working together we can improve safety for workers and all who travel on our province’s roadways.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2014 04 16 3:45 p.m.