This is how close emergency workers can come to being hit by a passing vehicle when drivers don't slow down and move over. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

give them space

VIDEO: RCMP, BCAA trying to curb driver ‘aggression and impatience’ when passing roadside emergency crews

Oct 27, 2022 | 4:10 PM

NANAIMO — Slow down and move over whenever you see the flashing lights of any emergency vehicles on the side of the road.

It’s clear messaging which was being drilled in by Nanaimo RCMP and the BCAA during their ‘Slow Down Move Over’ driver awareness campaign along the Nanaimo Parkway on Thursday, Oct 27.

Senior manager of automotive operations with the BCAA Ravi Dhaliwal said roadside safety is paramount for emergency responders, tow truck drivers, construction crews and others who find themselves on the side of a highway.

“When you’re approaching a red, blue or yellow flashing light at the side of the road, the motorist needs to slow down and actually move over (to the inside lane) and provide a safe space for the roadside worker to work.”

Volunteers spoke to driver’s at the Northfield Rd. rest stop about the importance of giving emergency workers plenty of space. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Drivers who were flagged down on Thursday morning were given information pamphlets about the law and the fines they could receive along with the points on their licence.

Dhaliwal said even with the large presence of flashing lights, motorists were still not getting the picture.

“Even just today, our RCMP officer, he’s conducting the radar, he’s been almost hit five times.”

Dhaliwal said motorists seem to have less patience for tow truck drivers.

“Our own drivers have noticed aggression and impatience from a lot of motorists, and we just want to remind everyone to slow down, move over and provide that space for them to work so they can go home to their families at the end of the day.”

Matt Rimas, a tow truck operator with Mid-Island Towing, said he’s been doing this job for six years and has had multiple close calls.

“I’ve been brushed by a couple of 18-wheelers, very very closely, it’s definitely one of the scariest jobs out there. We don’t get the respect we deserve on the side of the road.”

He said if he’s driving and sees another tow truck on the side of the road, he will pull over and help block traffic to make sure the driver gets home safely.

At the end of the day, 53 warning letters were handed out by the Nanaimo RCMP and the BCAA during the one-hour event.

When speed limits are listed as 80 kilometres per hour or more, drivers must slow to at least 70 kilometres per hour when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of a highway and move to the inside, or passing lane.

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 three points off your license.

An RCMP officer with the ‘Slow Down Move Over’ campaign flags offending drivers over to the Northfield Rd. rest stop off the Island Parkway for a little chat. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow

This is how close emergency workers can come to being hit by a passing vehicle when drivers don’t slow down and move over. (submitted)