OPP focusing on ‘Move Over Campaign’ and ‘Operation Dry Water’ this long weekend

In 2003, the “Move Over” law was developed to help keep police, emergency services and drivers safe when pulled over on the side of the road.

This long weekend, while we are all heading to the cottage, OPP want to remind drivers to follow the law, and move over when approaching emergency vehicles on the side of the road.

“Every year in Ontario, emergency services personnel are injured or killed while performing their professional duties on the side of the roadways,” explains OPP Constable Lauren Ball.

The law states that when safe to do so, drivers move over a lane when approaching an emergency vehicle with their lights on. On single lane roads, drivers are required to slow down when passing in the same circumstances. In 2016, there were at least 11 incidents where police were hit from behind while pulled over with their emergency lights on.

“The consequences [for drivers who don’t move over] are a fine, you would be getting a ticket at the side of the road under the Highway Traffic Act. The fine total is $490 as well as three demerit points.”

In 2016, Cambridge OPP handed out 123 “move over” charges, and provincially, OPP handed out around 2,443 charges in the same year.

“So far this year, as of July of this year, we’ve issued 48 ‘move over’ charges,” adds Constable Ball.

Now, not only are police asking us to be cautious and follow the law on the roads, they’re also reminding us to stay safe while on the water.

OPP, along with the Canadian Safe Boating Council, are also focusing on sober boating. In Ontario, alcohol can only be consumed on a boat if that boat is equipped with sleeping quarters, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, and only if the boat is docked.

In a release, the authorities say that “alcohol and drug impairment continue to be factors in boating deaths and injuries.”

While we all want to enjoy the long weekend, it’s imperative that we follow the law and stay safe.

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