Flashing Lights Will Mean Slow Down and Move Over

Tuesday, April 07, 2009 04:00 AM

Prince George, B.C.- Effective June 1st, there will be a new rule for the road when it comes to emergency vehicles.

When you see a parked emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing, you will be required to slow down as you pass that vehicle. The new rule is aimed at reducing the risk of injury to emergency workers who may be working at the side of the road outside their vehicle.

Between 2001 and 2007, 21 emergency workers were injured or killed on B.C. roads - 12 of them at the roadside.

Beginning June 1, drivers must slow to 70 km/h on highways where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, and to 40 km/h where the limit is below 80 km/h, when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle that has its
lights flashing. If there is another lane going in the same direction, drivers must also move into that lane if it is safe to do so.

The term, "emergency vehicle" applies to police, fire, ambulance and towing vehicles, as well as vehicles used by commercial vehicle safety and enforcement personnel, passenger vehicle inspectors, conservation officers, park rangers, and special provincial constables employed in the Ministry of Forests and Range.

If you are caught defying the new rules, you could be hit with a fine of $148 dollars (if paid within 30 days) or $173 dollars if paid after the 30 days, and get three penalty points.

The existing law of pulling over and allowing an emergency vehicle to pass when an emergency vehicle is traveling to an event, remains in effect.

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Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 04:00 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: taxinapothole on April 7 2009 4:28 AM

I thought this came under common sense!! They sure need to tighten up what's required of individuals to get their steering papers, and maintain them!!

Posted by: Big-Wayne on April 7 2009 8:43 AM

I always thought that was the rule
Maybe that's just the way I was taught and yes it is only common sense
That's one thing that has always bothered me if we call it common sense why isn't it?

Posted by: travism on April 7 2009 8:46 AM

Common sense isn't so common anymore. I can't tell you how often I see people think emergency vehicles should switch lanes to go around them!

Posted by: DPJ on April 7 2009 9:05 AM

I have seen rules put in place where it used to be "common sense" or people monitoring other people (or businesses to businesses). Seems like rules need to be in place to remind everyone what is common sense.

Would like to see the rule (or common sense) about cars pulling over when an emergency vehicle with sirens on come along the road. See lots of non compliance in this area.

Posted by: metalman on April 7 2009 9:08 AM

I always thought you were supposed to slow down too, I guess the only way to teach courtesy now is to attach a big fine and some penalty points to the lesson.
metalman.

Posted by: thereasonableman on April 7 2009 10:53 AM

People pay the least amount of attention to driving, while they are driving.
The most dangerous exercise you undertake as an officer is to work on or near a roadway.
Especially if any portion of the roadway is obstructed.

Posted by: lostfaith on April 7 2009 11:36 AM

"That's one thing that has always bothered me if we call it common sense why isn't it?"

Because it's a result of inbreeding.

Posted by: lostfaith on April 7 2009 11:38 AM

Thats also the reason so many want new warning signs posted everywhere.

Posted by: chukachida on April 7 2009 12:12 PM

common sense goes both ways, pulling over a vehicle on a blind corner or a truck going up a icy hill definatley elevates the risk factor. But I concur slowing down for these folks is what we were always supposed to do.

Posted by: Thunder on April 7 2009 2:01 PM

well there better be warning lights set up well in advance for those who can't comprehend this.

Posted by: my2bits on April 7 2009 2:05 PM

I wish they'd go a bit further and require the emergency vehicles to dim their headlights and do something with their flashing roof lights, so that the oncoming traffic isn't blinded by them. This is especially bad in town on a rainy evening. I don't know why there isn't more accidents caused by police car lights when they have cars pulled over.

Posted by: powderhound on April 7 2009 5:42 PM

Hey 2bits, if you obey the law and slow down to a reasonable speed, the lights won't be an issue! Become part of the solution, not the problem!!!

Posted by: lmorge on April 7 2009 6:38 PM

Agreed. I've also seen people not concentrating on slowing down for emergency vehicles because they have a cell phone stuck to their ears.

Posted by: my2bits on April 7 2009 7:08 PM

Powderhound....the point I'm trying to make is that when a police cruiser has a car stopped on the side of the road facing you, the bright headlights and roof lights cause your pupils to contract, consequently, they do not see in the dark. It has nothing to do with speed, it has to do with blindness caused by bright lights. If it affects you differently, then you're an exception. All they have to do is put the lights on dim, and they can still be seen from a distance.
My friend was hit on a bicycle under those circumstances, by a car that was just crawling. They were both blinded by the lights. It isn't necessary to leave them on super-bright. That's all I'm trying to say.
I think most people slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles, we were taught that way, I don't see a problem.

Posted by: Palopu on April 7 2009 10:49 PM

I notice that Police pull people over in the most unsafe area you can think of. They also set up road blocks on blind corners, which is a good way to get killed.

I always slow down when I see flashing lights, thought this was just common sense.