Even after amending the Highway Traffic Act last year to deal with motorists not slowing down while passing emergency vehicles, analysis show that over 90% of drivers are still failing to do so.
In September 2014, the Province of Manitoba announced a new amendment to the Highway Traffic Act stating that drivers on either side of an undivided highway, who pass emergency vehicles and other designated vehicles that are stopped with their beacons flashing, must proceed with caution and pass only when safe to do so. Drivers travelling on multi-lane highways are also required to move to a lane farther from emergency vehicles.
All drivers must slow to the following speeds:
- 40 km/h on highways with posted maximum speed limits below 80 km/h; and
- 60 km/h on highways with posted maximum speed limits of 80 km/h.
In the fall of 2014 and again this spring, RCMP Traffic Services conducted two separate analysis to record the speed and volume of traffic passing by while police officers conducted staged traffic stops.
While the majority of vehicles moved over or changed lanes, over 90% of motorists failed to slow down, an action punishable by a $300 fine and 2 demerits. Furthermore, 60% of vehicles that did slow down to 60 km/h or less were Commercial Vehicles (i.e. transport trucks, construction vehicles).
An amazing one out of every six vehicles drove by officers and their police vehicles at a speed of 100 km/h or more.
“Our officers know that policing is a dangerous and unpredictable job, but they should not have to worry about ordinary citizens just driving their vehicles,” says Manitoba RCMP Sgt. Bert Paquet. “When you see a police or emergency vehicle with lights flashing, slow down and give them room.”
RCMP would like to remind motorists that beyond being a law, this amendment is to ensure the safety of all emergency vehicles, tow trucks, road side assistance vehicles and vehicles operated by government enforcement officers with their beacons flashing.
“In reality, we’re only asking drivers to delay their travels by one minute,” Paquet adds. “The first responders you see on the roadside might be helping someone you love.”
