**** CAA / RCMP Media Release
CAA Atlantic and the RCMP are urging motorists to make space for tow trucks and emergency vehicles providing service on the side of the road on Canada’s 3rd annual National Slow Down Move Over Day.
The day promotes a safe working environment for tow truck operators across the country. CAA has long advocated for the protection of roadside assistance workers through Slow Down, Move Over legislation.
CAA Clubs across Canada have designated the second Tuesday of May as Slow Down Move Over Day to bring attention to the issue.
“Lack of driver awareness is one of the largest threats to tow truck driver safety,” said Gary Howard, Senior Vice President of Communications at CAA Atlantic. “Everyone should slow down and move over when they see an
emergency vehicle on the side of the road – it’s the law in all provinces now.”
“Every day, police, paramedic, firefighters and tow truck drivers across Canada work on the side of our roadways. Near misses are reported many times per year and we ask that everyone slow down so emergency service workers can get home safe to their families,” says Cpl. Chris Marshall, Public Information Officer for the
Nova Scotia RCMP.
Across Canada, CAA will be launching public education campaigns today to draw attention to the safety risks tow truck drivers face. In 2019, New Brunswick became the final Canadian province to add tow trucks to its Slow
Down Move Over legislation.
Thousands of near misses are reported by emergency roadside operators annually and, across North America, nearly 100 tow truck drivers are killed every year after being struck by oncoming traffic while helping stranded
motorists with flat tires, breakdowns and collisions. Every tow truck driver knows the number of close calls they’ve experienced while pulled over on busy roadways.
For more information, please visit atlantic.caa.ca/SlowDownMoveOver
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