New Brunswick RCMP are out in the community enforcing and educating drivers on the new provisions to the Move Over law that came into effect on January 1, 2021.
The new Move Over law provisions require vehicles to:
- move over when emergency responders and service vehicles such as tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles and private and public utility vehicles have their flashing lights engaged.
- slow down to a maximum of half the posted speed limit.
"With more than 18,000 kilometres of highways and secondary roads across the province, emergency responders and service vehicle operators take a risk each time they exit their vehicles on a roadway," said Cpl. Hans Ouellette. "The new provisions to the Move Over law helps to protect the lives of those performing important duties on the sides of our roads."
By slowing down and moving over, a motorist is creating a safe space for themselves and for the emergency responders and service vehicle operators to carry out their work while on the shoulder of the road, whether it is police doing a traffic stop, paramedics treating a person in medical distress or tow truck operator assisting a driver. Motorists must be aware of the speed limit on the road and are required to slow down to a maximum of half to the posted limit. For example:
- 110 km/h speed limit reduces to 55 km/h
- 90 km/h speed limit reduces to 45 km/h
- 60 km/h speed limit reduces to 30 km/h
RCMP are out on provincial roadways ensuring drivers are adhering to the law, including the new provisions.
By moving over and slowing down you can reduce the chance of a tragic or even fatal consequence for everyone on the road.