West Shore, British Columbia — October 21, 2015 — RCMP are cracking down on motorists in violation of the province’s Move Over law this month in an effort to raise awareness of the live-saving legislation. Throughout October, West Shore RCMP are targeting enforcement of the law put in place to protect roadside workers—including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, passenger transportation inspectors and tow truck drivers. On January 1, 2015 the law was amended to include any vehicle that flashes a red, blue or yellow amber light, extending protection to road maintenance workers, land surveyors, animal control, and garbage collectors, among others. “The bottom line is, if you see red, blue or yellow flashing lights you are to slow down and move over when safe. We are trying to help drivers remember the 70/40 rule,” RCMP stated in a release. “If the speed limit is 80 km/h or more, slow to 70 km/h. If the speed limit is less than 80 km/h, slow to 40 km/h and move over. If drivers fail to follow this legislation they could face a fine of $173 and three penalty points—or worse, hurting themselves or someone else.” According to RCMP, for those who make living along the roadways, disregard for the law can often result in a life or death situation, with 235 roadside workers injured and 15 killed over a ten year period. West Shore Towing owner and operator Dave Lequesne, who also previously spent time working with Langford Fire Rescue, told the Goldstream News Gazette many motorists don’t understand the law and its impact on anyone who works along the white line. Lequesne, who has been in the towing industry since 1984, has had his share of near misses. “I was involved in one accident when a driver hit the fire truck with lights on that I operating roadside,” he says. “I think I speak for all involved when I say, we’re roadside helping your family, so please when you see an official vehicle, slow down and move over. We all want to go home to our families too.” BC RCMP conducted a similar enforcement operation on June 16 at the 192 Street and 160 Street off-ramps of Vancouver’s Highway One.
