THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Police Service is putting drivers who fail to make way for emergency vehicles and tow trucks on notice, as it launches an enforcement drive to tackle an apparent spike in violations.
The service has observed an apparent spike in motorists failing to obey the province’s "move over" laws, it said in a release Thursday.
The force specifically highlighted a failure to slow down, proceed with caution, and move to an outside lane if possible when approaching emergency vehicles and tow trucks with their emergency lights activated – all requirements of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act.
The act also compels motorists to bring their vehicle to a stop as close as possible to the edge of the roadway when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights flashing or its siren on.
Drivers who fail to comply may face a Provincial Offence Notice for “fail to slow down and proceed with caution for emergency vehicle," TBPS noted.
The offence can bring fines of between $400 and $2,000 for a first offence, and between $1,000 and $4,000 for subsequent offences within five years.