Nanaimo RCMP officers directed drivers who failed to slow down, and move over when they passed a tow truck on the Island Highway Friday morning to a roadside information site. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

flashing lights mean slow

‘The warning is helpful and now I know:’ Nanaimo drivers told once more to slow down & move over

Apr 29, 2022 | 4:52 PM

NANAIMO — For the second time in six months, Nanaimo drivers were told a simple message: slow down and move over.

Local RCMP officers along with reps from BCAA staged a mock scene along Hwy. 19A near Dorman Rd. on Friday, April 29 with a broken down vehicle on the side of the highway.

Ravi Dhaliwhal, BCAA’s senior manager of automotive operations, told NanaimoNewsNOW people aren’t getting the message and have seen a rise in incidents since their last awareness event in October.

“We are still having way too many injured workers on the side of the road or even killed. And that can be simply prevented by just slowing down and moving over when it’s safe to do so.”

Southbound traffic was used for the education event with a tow truck stationed with their lights flashing on display with motorists who failed to slow down and move over were flagged to the side of the road.

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Dhaliwhal told NanaimoNewsNOW that most drivers were not handed fines unless they were in violation of other traffic laws.

Instead, volunteers handed out information pamphlets about the dangers which exist for roadside workers, including police, fire trucks, tow trucks, paramedics, bylaw and roadside maintenance vehicles.

“A lot of people are unaware of the actual law and having to slow down to 40 kilometres an hour in a 70 area. So again it’s doing its job where we are educating and bringing awareness around it.”

About a dozen volunteers joined the Nanaimo RCMP to help provide information to drivers. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

And while officials pulled over dozens of drivers Friday afternoon, many were unaware such a law even existed.

“I’m surprised I didn’t know about it, I don’t think it’s advertised enough,” said one woman after being pulled over and receiving the information pamphlet. “The warning is helpful and now I know. There should be more advertising about it for sure.”

Vancouver resident Yumi was worried she was getting pulled over for a speeding ticket, saying she was just “following the flow and speed of traffic.”

While she said she was ready to eat the speeding ticket, she was happy to learn something instead.

“They were kind about it and not patronizing or condescending, and I learned something big. I didn’t know about the tow truck, that I have to change lanes and slow down when I see them with their lights on.”

Simon from Qualicum Beach wasn’t sure why he was being pulled over at first, but was happy he wasn’t getting a fine.

“It’s a relief I don’t owe a $172 ticket, that’s for sure.”

When speed limits are listed as 80 kilometres per hour or more, drivers must slow to at least 70 kilometres per hour when an emergency vehicle approaches and move to the side.

Speeds less than 80 kilometres per hour must be halved to a maximum of 40 kilometres per hour.

Penalties for not slowing down and moving over when you see an emergency vehicle include a $173 fine and 3 points off your license.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow