You Have to Read this

[Mike the Pike]

Came across this it has been sent to me more than once in a few emails.

 

It sounds legitimate to me.

 

Obey this Law and avoid a heavy fine.

 

What gets me yes it is the law but to target motorists for it thats just not right . $490.00 very steep I say.

 

 

Hi Friends,

 

 

I just had an experience which I hope you will share.

 

I was driving on the 417 West at Panmure at broad daylight at 2 p.m.,

when I came upon two police cruisers who had pulled over a third

vehicle. I slowed down to be cautious, and was surprised when the second cruiser pulled out and pulled me over.

 

Approaching on the passenger side, the officer asked if I knew why I

had been pulled over. I honestly expressed that I had no idea.

 

He informed me that Ontario law now states that when approaching any

emergency vehicle, on the roadside, with lights flashing, you must enter

the left lane. He then proceeded to ticket me, giving three demerits and

issuing a fine of , wait for it, . . . $490! (Yes, I'm choking as I type that.)

 

I realize I did not change lanes, but I do believe I was cautious. My

message is, be careful. He said that they are cracking down hard on this

because of three injured officers in the last ten days.

I did not realize this was the law. Neither did any of my recently-licensed

children. Or, evidently, not the 47 drivers (I counted) who broke the same

law as I sat waiting to receive my ticket!

___________________________________________________________________

Hi,

For my part, I saw this happen today (Feb 24th) on Highway 69 South of Sudbury, on the passing lane on the Magnetewan flats.

A cruiser was parked on the shoulder of the southbound lane with his lights flashing. He had no vehicle stopped, he was just parked there.

I was northbound and reduced my speed, the extra lane was on the southbound side so, there were two lanes between me and the cruiser.

A southbound motorist passed the cruiser without moving to the outer lane and the Officer immediately pulled out and gave chase to that driver.

I saw him stopping him in my mirror before going over the next hill. The car did not appear to be speeding, in fact he seemed to slow, but failed to change lanes and was (presumably) stopped for that reason!

Ted

Read the actual Law below:

 

Below is the the excerpt from the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. relating to this offence. It is under section 159.1 (1), (2), (3),(4),(5).

 

Approaching stopped emergency vehicle

159.1 (1) Upon approaching an emergency vehicle with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light or red and blue light that is stopped on a highway, the driver of a vehicle travelling on the same side of the highway shall slow down and proceed with caution, having due regard for traffic on and the conditions of the highway and the weather, to ensure that the driver does not collide with the emergency vehicle or endanger any person outside of the emergency vehicle. 2002, c. 21, s. 1; 2007, c. 13, s. 20.

Same

(2) Upon approaching an emergency vehicle with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light that is stopped on a highway with two or more lanes of traffic on the same side of the highway as the side on which the emergency vehicle is stopped, the driver of a vehicle travelling in the same lane that the emergency vehicle is stopped in or in a lane that is adjacent to the emergency vehicle, in addition to slowing down and proceeding with caution as required by subsection (1), shall move into another lane if the movement can be made in safety. 2002, c. 21, s. 1.

Same

(3) Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) prevents a driver from stopping his or her vehicle and not passing the stopped emergency vehicle if stopping can be done in safety and is not otherwise prohibited by law. 2002, c. 21, s. 1.

Offence

(4) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable,

(a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and

( for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. 2002, c. 21, s. 1.

Time limit for subsequent offence

(5) An offence referred to in subsection (4) committed more than five years after a previous conviction for an offence referred to in subsection (4) is not a subsequent offence for the purpose of clause (4) (. 2002, c. 21, s. 1

Edited March 10, 2008 by Mike the Pike

[Joey]

I don't think its a cash grab at all Mike. The men and women in law enforcement take their lives in their hands every day for us, and especially pulling people over on the side of the road. Many, many officers have been hit and killed in the line of duty when pulling over a traffic violator.

 

I think it is a good law and we practice it every time we are travelling.

 

Joey

[Smokey]

Where's the cash grab................

 

Follow the laws and you'll avoid the fine, no cash grab there.

 

As a emergency responder that works on the busiest highway in North America the 401 stretch thru Toronto, I personally don't see a problem with this. Put yourself in our boots and try standing out there with cars flying by you at 70 mph and mirrors brushing you coat sleeves.

 

I can post links to lots of videos on line of service personel being hit to help gain a little bit of respect for us if needed.

 

Mike

[Smokey]

Thanks Joey, we appreciate it.

[Mike the Pike]

Where's the cash grab................

 

Follow the laws and you'll avoid the fine, no cash grab there.

 

As a emergency responder that works on the busiest highway in North America the 401 stretch thru Toronto, I personally don't see a problem with this. Put yourself in our boots and try standing out there with cars flying by you at 70 mph and mirrors brushing you coat sleeves.

 

I can post links to lots of videos on line of service personel being hit to help gain a little bit of respect for us if needed.

 

Mike

 

If you read carefully folks its a new law which many people are not aware of.Even this guys newly licenced kids were not aware of it.So either they missed it or it has not been made aware to the public.Seriously how many of you here really know you must change lanes.

 

If it is a new law perhaps a public awareness campaign should be put into action to avoid further injuries and prevent a fatality from occuring.

 

I posted this for 2 reasons one so many will know it is safer to pull into the left lane but I don't want to see any of you OFC'ers get a hefty fine.

 

MTP

Edited March 10, 2008 by Mike the Pike

[motv8tr]

That law has been around for quite a while now, and I think it's about time they went after these folks! It blows my mind how people will just whip right by with no regard for the safety of those working on the side of the road, in some cases possibly saving a life! That and the one's who refuse to pull over for emergency vehicles....grrrrrr....

 

Maureen

[PAZE]

This law has been around for years, its just recently getting enforced, to many emergency personel getting killed out there. I'm glad there enforcing it.

[lew]

Well said Joey & Mike.

 

Back when I was on the job, the 1st thing I'd do at an accident scene on a busy road was use the truck to block the lane off to protect both the victims and us.

 

It's hard to believe that people will see emergency workers (or hiway crews) trying to help someone, and they haven't got the smarts to at least slow down a bit or move over and give the people a chance to do their job.

 

Nope, not a tax grab at all.

[huntervasili]

Heck I never knew it and I took YD just over a year ago and there was no mention of it... I know I dont have $490 in my pocket... Thanks Mike

[Mike the Pike]

Well said Joey & Mike.

 

Back when I was on the job, the 1st thing I'd do at an accident scene on a busy road was use the truck to block the lane off to protect both the victims and us.

 

It's hard to believe that people will see emergency workers (or hiway crews) trying to help someone, and they haven't got the smarts to at least slow down a bit or move over and give the people a chance to do their job.

 

Nope, not a tax grab at all.

 

Lew thats what I would have done probably slow down do that and its a fine.I myself usually pull to the left for many other reasons just a stopped vehicle or a cyclist but many motorists thought they were doing the right thing by slowing down.

[pikehunter]

Several officers have been killed or injured from cars/trucks that don't proceed with caution when lights are flashing.

 

Many, many moons ago I drove a tow truck, what a thankless job that was! I and my buddy came close many times to getting hit while on the shoulder of the QEW. I tell you an emergency vehicle can have every flashing light they could squeeze onto their car or truck and the public would still be oblivious to the fact that there is a potential danger present! :wallbash:

 

Move over people and give these folks a break!

[Roy]

It's a shame that it even has to be a law. It's just common sense to not drive past people at those speeds and that close.

[Smokey]

Hate to say it but ignorance of the law is no excuse.

 

Don't people think to use a little common sense when driving and think of others safety or just worried about themselves and getting somewhere in a hurry.

 

We do have ads in the paper and commercials have been run on TV.

 

People just don't seem to get the idea?

[Canuck2fan]

I think a lot of people stop in spots that put the police at risk because they are freaked out at getting stopped. What is worse though is that the cops seem to accept this and get out and start writing even if they could be in danger. Driving 101 should tell anybody with half a brain it isn't smart to stop just over the crest of a hill and leave your car partly on the road. It is also not exactly brilliant behaviour to stop just 15 feet the other side of an overpass yet you see cops writing tickets in these situations all the time. If the motorist pulls over in such a spot the cop should direct to a safer area...... Seriously is any ticket worth dying for? Another one I have seen twice this week since the storm is that the person stops like 20 feet from a corner hidden behind a 6ft bank of snow you come around the corner and there is the cruiser the cop and car that was pulled over taking up half the road and you have no idea they are there..... I driving a van could see but the clown behind me can't so he started honking his horn. I think the cop who bumped his head on the driver's window when he stood up was going to shoot me.... till I pointed behind me. I don't know what he said to the guy when he walked over but I bet that horn doesn't get used for a year or so.

[Mike the Pike]

Hate to say it but ignorance of the law is no excuse.

 

Don't people think to use a little common sense when driving and think of others safety or just worried about themselves and getting somewhere in a hurry.

 

We do have ads in the paper and commercials have been run on TV.

 

People just don't seem to get the idea?

 

Well that answers my question Mike that it is repeated in many ways in Newspapers and Television commercials.

[Joey]

I posted this for 2 reasons one so many will know it is safer to pull into the left lane but I don't want to see any of you OFC'ers get a hefty fine.

 

MTP

 

I think it was the initial title of your thread that said "cash grab" that is what was most disconcerting Mike. I see you've changed it now. Hopefully the responses here changed your mind.

 

Joey

[fishing n autograph]

To put it bluntly there are a lot of laws that people aren't aware of....from a 12 hr license suspension for blowing b/n 0.05 and 0.079....

 

It is also illegal to turn right on a red light when there is green arrow indicating advanced left turn....

 

not signing your ownership in ink is a $110 fine....

 

Keep in mind more police officers are killed by rubberneckers running them over during routine traffic stops...it's scarey how many time's i've jumped out of the way

Edited March 10, 2008 by FishnNAutographs

[Mike the Pike]

Its been law since December 2002 here is more.

 

 

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services

 

Highway Traffic Act amendment will protect police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel

 

 

TORONTO, April 3 /CNW/ - Bill 191, an amendment to the Highway Traffic

Act, was proclaimed today, Bob Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and

Security, announced.

The legislation - Bill 191, Highway Traffic Act Amendment Act (Emergency

Vehicle Safety), 2002 - will protect police officers, firefighters and other

emergency personnel whose vehicles are stopped on the shoulder of the

province's roadways with red lights flashing. Motorists will have to slow down

and, where possible and safe to do so, move to a lane not adjacent to the one

in which the emergency vehicle is situated.

"By forcing drivers to slow down and move over, we are protecting those

who protect us," Runciman said. "We all benefit when these dedicated workers

are able to do their job efficiently and without having to worry about their

personal safety. They understand what they do is dangerous, but there is no

need to subject them to additional risk."

"This government is delivering on its commitment to give police officers,

firefighters and paramedics the tools they need to do their vital jobs,"

Transportation Minister Frank Klees said. "We continue to work to keep our

communities safe, with legislation that protects those who protect us."

"The personal safety of our officers is at risk when dealing with

roadside emergencies, issuing speeding tickets or providing assistance to

motorists," Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Gwen Boniface said. "This

new legislation will be instrumental in protecting Ontario Provincial Police

officers and our roadside emergency partners as they endeavour to keep our

roadways safe for the motoring public."

The legislation will apply to all stopped vehicles, excluding school

buses, with flashing red lights. Section 62 (15.1) of the Highway Traffic Act

authorizes ambulance, fire, police and public utility emergency vehicles and

ministries of transportation, natural resources and environment to use red

lights.

"Many motorists don't recognize the high risk front-line police officers

can face during routine traffic stops," Brian Adkin, president of the Ontario

Provincial Police Association, said. "We don't necessarily think of pulling

off to the side of the highway to issue a speeding ticket or to investigate an

accident as a dangerous part of an officer's job. This legislation is critical

to our members' safety. It speaks to the commitment that the government has

for front-line emergency personnel."

Those convicted of disobeying the law can expect to be dealt with

severely. For the first offence, the fine will be not less than $400 and not

more than $2,000. For second and subsequent convictions, the fine is a minimum

of $1,000 to a maximum of $4,000, six months in jail or both a fine and jail

sentence. All convictions will result in the addition of three demerit points

to a driver's record. The court can also suspend a motorist's driver's licence

for up to two years.

"We have lost four officers in Ontario in recent years when they or their

vehicles have been stopped at the side of the road," Bruce Miller, the

administrator of the Police Association of Ontario (PAO), said. "This new

legislation will help to protect both front-line police officers and the

citizens they serve. We believe that it will go a long way to help prevent

further tragedies." The PAO represents 22,000 front-line police personnel.

"Firefighters are frequently the first to arrive at the scene of

incidents on highways," Milt Wilson, president of the Ontario Association of

Fire Chiefs, said. "This legislation will give our workers added protection,

especially before police arrive to direct traffic. I am pleased the government

is taking this step to protect firefighters and everyone else that responds to

incidents on the highways."

Saskatchewan is the only other Canadian province to have similar

legislation. A number of American states also have some type of emergency

safety vehicle legislation.

 

Disponible en français

 

For more information visit www.mpss.jus.gov.on.ca

 

 

 

Backgrounder

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ministry of Public Safety and Security

April 2003

 

 

IMPROVING EMERGENCY WORKERS' SAFETY

ON THE SIDE OF THE PROVINCE'S HIGHWAYS

 

Enforcing the law and providing roadside assistance is inherently

dangerous for police, fire and other emergency workers. Emergency personnel

stopped for an incident at the side of the road are sometimes in danger.

Frequently, they are placed in close proximity to vehicles travelling at

extremely high rates of speed.

Since 1995, several members of the Ontario Provincial Police have been

killed as a direct result of a motor vehicle collision when their cruisers

were parked on the shoulder of the road. In the United States, some 200 police

officers have lost their lives in a similar fashion. A number of U.S. states

have introduced legislation requiring drivers to change lanes and reduce speed

when approaching an authorized vehicle. Saskatchewan also has enacted similar

legislation.

The legislation, which received Royal Assent in December 2002 and was

proclaimed April 3, 2003, is designed to increase the safety of police and

other emergency personnel and deter those driving recklessly.

A number of U.S. states also have legislation in place requiring drivers

to yield the right of way to approaching emergency vehicles.

 

Ontario's law:

 

- Requires drivers to slow down, and proceed with caution when

travelling on all highways in the same direction as a stopped

emergency vehicle with its red lights flashing. If the highway has

two or more lanes, the driver must move over into another lane if it

can be done safely.

 

- In all circumstances drivers must take into consideration traffic and

weather conditions when taking the appropriate action when

approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its red lights

activated.

 

- A person who contravenes these requirements will be guilty of an

offence punishable, for a first offence, by a fine of $400 to $2,000

and for subsequent offences by a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, or to

imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or to both a fine and

imprisonment. All convictions will result in the addition of three

demerit points to a driver's record. The court that convicts a person

of an offence may also suspend his or her driver's licence for a

maximum of two years.

 

Disponible en français

 

For more information visit www.mpss.jus.gov.on.ca

 

 

 

-30-

For further information: Contacts: Bruce O'Neill, Ministry of Public

Safety and Security, (416) 326-5005; James Wallace, Minister's Office,

(416) 325-5982

[ccmtcanada]

I was taught with Young Drivers of Canada back in 1987 that if there was any kind of situation on the right shoulder (could be a tow truck, person changing a tire, or emergency vehicles), to change lanes. If the situation was on the left shoulder then move one lane to the right. Whenever I see a disabled vehicle on the shoulder, I always change lanes...you never know if someone is just about to exit their vehicle.

[irishfield]

It's a shame that it even has to be a law. It's just common sense to not drive past people at those speeds and that close.

 

Edzackery Roy. I don't care if it's someone takin a piss, checkin their boat, lumber load or rescue workers.... I always go out of my way to give them as much room as I can even if I have to slow down the line of traffic following behind me so I can time the swerve with uncoming traffic. But then again... I do the same on the lake when I see another boat fishing... unlike some that blast right by your bow!

[silveradosheriff]

I think it is a good law - but shouldn't it apply to any vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of the highway?

Getting a flat on the 401 can be a scary experience....

[lew]

Keep in mind more police officers are killed by rubberneckers running them over during routine traffic stops...it's scarey how many time's i've jumped out of the way

 

I know what your saying Dave, I stepped off the back of a firetruck one night and got hit by a car coming up alongside of it....luckily he wasn't going too fast.

 

I think some of these people see flashing red lights and think it's a target they're sposed to aim for.

[fishing n autograph]

I know what your saying Dave, I stepped off the back of a firetruck one night and got hit by a car coming up alongside of it....luckily he wasn't going too fast.

 

I think some of these people see flashing red lights and think it's a target they're sposed to aim for.

 

yup, a friend of mine was stepping out of his cruiser on a traffic stop and was rear ended....he was off work for 2 years

[douG]

The way I read this is, that you can slow down in your lane, unable to merge safely with the centre lane, creep along past the flashers, and get nailed for 5 large.

 

The worst problem these days is folks doing 120 with two car lengths in front of them between the next vehicle. After the accident, I really hope that they get charged for careless, all 11 of them.

[Loonietoon]

Try being on the side of the Highway and trying to hook up a disabled Vehicle with all kinds of lights going including Police and just happen to catch a Vehicle coming out of the corner of your eye at the rear of your Wrecker and you have to jump for it ... Also How many people know that they are supposed to give a lane for a Cyclist????? Not many or they just don't care as they know that they won't get hurt so who cares.... Right