Give emergency vehicles space, CAA reminds drivers

The Canadian Automobile Association is reminding drivers they are required by law to get out of the way of emergency vehicles when they use their sirens.

CAA Atlantic spokesperson Gary Howard said that means pulling over and stopping at the side of the road to allow an emergency vehicle to pass, regardless of the direction it's approaching from.

This is their work space and it can be very dangerous.- Gary Howard, CAA Atlantic

Howard also reminded drivers to take care when passing emergency vehicles stopped at the side of the road,

"We find there is not as much knowledge about the law as there could be," said Howard.

"We want people to understand that this is their work space and it can be very dangerous for them. So this is as much about education as anything."

Fines up to $1000

On P.E.I., the Highway Traffic Act states drivers must slow to no greater than half the speed limit when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, and move into another lane, or pull over and stop, if that can be done safely.

Fines start at $200 and three demerit points, and climb to $1000 for repeated offences.

The Department of Transportation said there has been an average of four convictions each year for the past five years under the Highway Traffic Act.

CAA tow truck drivers report frequent near misses when they're pulled over at the side of the road assisting people, said Howard.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |17-year-old starts girls empowerment group 24STRONG
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Business expansion into B.C. 'super awesome,' says young boy with autism