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McGuinty Government Reminds Drivers To Clear The Way For First Responders
TORONTO, June 27 /CNW/ -
NEWS
With another busy summer weekend approaching, Ontario drivers are
reminded to clear the way for emergency vehicles by slowing down and moving
over.
Every second counts when emergency vehicles, such as police cars, fire
trucks and ambulances are rushing to respond to calls for help - any delay can
be critical for emergency responders and those who urgently need them.
Ontario law requires motorists who see the flashing lights or hear the
sirens of an approaching emergency vehicle pull to the right and stop the
moment it is safe to do so.
Drivers must slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a parked
emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. If the highway has two or more
lanes, drivers must also move over into another lane, if it is safe to do so.
QUOTES
"If you are on the road this weekend, remember to stay alert for
emergency vehicles. If you see flashing lights or hear sirens, move over as
soon as it is safe to do so," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm). "Your quick response
may save someone's life."
"I strongly encourage all Ontarians to drive carefully on the roads this
holiday weekend," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Rick Bartolucci (http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about_min/bio.html).
"Obeying speed limits and moving over for emergency vehicles is not just the
law... it could help save lives."
"The safety of emergency services personnel is paramount while they are
providing assistance on the province's highways," said Ontario Provincial
Police Commissioner Julian Fantino
(http://www.opp.ca/Organization/Commissioner/index.htm). "OPP officers put
their lives on the line every day when they report for duty. Many deaths and
injuries can be prevented by motorists slowing down and moving over."
QUICK FACTS
<<
- Drivers who do not pull over and stop for an approaching emergency
vehicle could face a fine of $110 upon conviction ($150 in a
community safety zone).
- Failing to move over for a stopped emergency vehicle can result in a
fine of up to $2,000 plus three demerit points. Subsequent offences
can result in a fine of up to $4,000, six months in prison and a two-
year driver's licence suspension.
LEARN MORE
Find out what to do if you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching,
and learn how seconds can save a life
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/seconds.htm).
Watch a video (http://www.toronto.ca/fire/video/pullover/pullover.asx)
that shows the right way and the wrong way to let ambulances, police and fire
vehicles get by on the road.
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ontario.ca/transportation
Disponible en français
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For further information: Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158
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