Slow Down, Move Over for Emergency Vehicles

We rely on police, tow truck drivers, paramedics and other first responders to keep us safe on the road and get to us quickly in an emergency. So, it’s important that we keep them safe while they do their jobs.

The law requires drivers to slow down and pass parked emergency vehicles with caution. If they are travelling on a multi-lane road, drivers are required to move over and leave one lane between their vehicle and the stopped emergency vehicle. Drivers who fail to do so risk facing fines as high as $2,000. 

Did you know? In 2016, the OPP laid 2,443 move over (and related) charges.

Any time lost getting to an emergency could mean the difference between life and death for those requiring assistance. As a driver, you can do your part to save lives.

It’s important to understand how to react to an emergency in any situation. To learn about how to react to an emergency vehicle on a highway, two-lane road, one-way street and in an intersection, visit: Road Safety: Emergency Vehicles

Motorist Tips

• Stay alert and keep an eye on your rear-view mirrors and on both sides of your vehicle.
• As always, avoid distractions.
• Keep the volume level down in your vehicle so you can hear sirens.
• When you notice an emergency vehicle, make sure to use your signals to alert other drivers of your intent to pull over.
• Only merge back into traffic once you’re sure the emergency vehicle has passed – sometimes there are multiple, so it’s important to stay alert and be patient.
• Signal before merging back into traffic
• Give emergency vehicles space -it's illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres.