New Legislation Designed to Protect Emergency Crews While on Highways
Bill 191 provides for fines for drivers who do not slow down or stop while emergency crews are working on roadwaysApril 7, 2003 - Motorists who do not slow down when passing emergency crews working on roadways could now be fined between $400 and $1200 for a first offence under Bill 191, enacted on Thursday, the third of April. The legislation also provides for three demerit points to be added to record of those convicted.
"This is legislation that paramedics have been lobbying for for years," said Norm Gale, public information officer for Superior North Emergency Medical Services. "And, now that the law requires for motorists to 'slow down and proceed with caution' when passing an accident scene, we are hopeful that the risk of a tragedy is significantly reduced."
The intent of the legislation is to protect emergency workers, including paramedics, police officers, and firefighters, while working at accident scenes. Paramedics work under difficult circumstances at these scenes, and are not always aware of what is going on around them. "We have had a few close calls with our paramedics in the last few years", said Gale. In one instance, a paramedic working on the Expressway was missed by just inches by a transport truck travelling at highway speed. The paramedic was carrying an injured patient to the waiting ambulance, which had its emergency lights flashing.
Under the legislation, drivers will be required not only to slow down, but to move to another lane, if possible. Drivers may have their license suspended for up to two years upon conviction.
