On Highway 97 on Tuesday, BCAA and Kelowna RCMP issued a warning to motorists to shift over and slow down while approaching stopped cars with flashing lights.
Drivers in B.C. are required to slow down and merge into the far lane in order to provide extra room for stopped cars with flashing red, blue, or yellow lights.
These consist of utility, construction, and maintenance vehicles as well as tow trucks and emergency vehicles.
“The goal here is to help people slow down, move over, and keep everyone safe when our drivers are on the side of the road helping motorists who are in distress just so we can prevent injuries or possible fatalities,” said BCAA Auto Service Centre regional manager Keith Berry.
“We’ve noticed a significant increase in reckless driving and aggressive driving, which endangers both our members and those waiting for assistance by the side of the road.
According to the RCMP, a significant number of roadside workers are killed in British Columbia each year as a result of irresponsible driving.
According to Kelowna RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera, “230 persons have passed away in the province of British Columbia, whether they were tow truck drivers or construction workers.
Drivers must slow down to 70 km/h and switch lanes if the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.
If the posted speed limit is less than 80, drivers must reduce their speed to 40 and switch lanes.
Penalties may apply if you don’t move aside and slow down.
“There’s a $173 fine and three points involved. And that’s really just the beginning. Accordingly, it may develop from there as needed, according to Della-Paolera.
“We had one person pulled over just recently (who) was doing 143 in a 90 zone.
His licence will suffer greatly as a result, and his car will be seized for seven days.
The RCMP, in the meantime, issued at least 100 warnings to motorists on Tuesday who did not slow down, urging them to drive carefully.
Kelowna RCMP and BCAA issue a “slow down and move over” warning to motorists.
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