Service NL
November 18, 2013

New Legislation Strengthens Communities

Enhanced Laws Protect Emergency and Enforcement Personnel While Working Roadside

An Act to Amend the Highway Traffic Act will receive second reading in the House of Assembly today (Monday, November 18). These amendments ensure drivers approaching stopped emergency, enforcement or other designated vehicles must now stop if required or slow to a reasonable speed and give a wide berth to those working by the side of the road.

“These new laws demonstrate government’s continued commitment to enhancing road and workplace safety for the benefit of our province’s emergency and enforcement personnel and other public officials engaged in important response work on our province’s roads. Protecting those whose job it is to protect and rescue others is an important safety measure for everyone.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL

Drivers travelling in the same direction and approaching emergency, enforcement or other designated vehicles which are stopped, must either stop if required, or reduce their rate of speed. Drivers may also have to either change lanes or give a wide berth to the stopped vehicles, provided it is safe to do so.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has added provisions to the Highway Traffic Act requiring safer driving practices when approaching emergency and enforcement personnel at roadside.
• Other designated vehicles which require a wide berth under the new laws can include: tow trucks or other roadside assistance vehicles; search and rescue vehicles; public utility vehicles; and municipal, provincial or federal enforcement or service vehicles.
• This act puts provincial legislation in line with most other Canadian jurisdictions.
• The Highway Traffic Act has a provision that ensures drivers yield right of way to emergency vehicles as they are approaching.
• Failing to exercise these safe driving practices can result in fines of $300 to $900, and four demerit points against the offending driver’s record in the event of a conviction.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2013 11 18                                        4:50 p.m.