Slow down, move over and protect the people who help
May 14 is Slow Down Move Over Day—a reminder to all motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck that is stopped on the side of the road. It’s the law.
Tow truck drivers play a vital role in helping motorists in need. May 14 is a reminder that there’s a simply step each of us can take to help keep them safe.
The move-over law has been in effect since 2012, but too many people still fail to comply with this section of the Highway Safety Code, putting the lives of our patrollers at risk. “I was installing tire skates on a broken-down car and had to throw myself onto the platform of my tow truck to get out of the way of an oncoming car,” says Justin, Roadside Assistance team leader in Gatineau. Ambulance attendants, police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders all benefit when motorists comply with the move-over law. The law also applies when approaching a vehicle operating on the roadway with a yellow arrow signal.
Move-over rule basics
When you see bright yellow arrows or rotating or flashing lights on an emergency vehicle or tow truck, here’s what to do:
1. Slow to a reasonable and prudent speed
2. Vacate the lane closest to the stationary vehicle if it is possible and safe to do so
Drivers who fail to comply are subject to fines of $200 to $300 and 4 demerit points.
“Every day, these workers put themselves in a vulnerable position to help motorists. Let’s make sure we give them the space they need to work safely by always taking this simple step.”
— Pierre-Serge Labbé, Vice-President, Mobility Services
CAA-Quebec partners with HAAS Alert to protect workers
At the initiative of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), HAAS Alert Safety Cloud digital alerts are now effective in Quebec. CAA-Quebec’s Roadside Assistance systems can now send warning messages directly to navigation apps such as Waze and Apple Plans to alert drivers when there is a tow truck attending to a broken-down car on the roadside. These alerts also display on the navigation systems of most 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. The alert message encourages motorists to slow down and change lanes to ensure worker safety.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.
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