Be careful with emergency vehicles at side of road

All motorists, when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its emergency lights activated, are now required by law to slow down, proceed with caution and move into another lane if a lane is available and the movement can be made in safety, according to OPP.

Police advise that if motorists are approaching a stopped emergency vehicle while traveling on a roadway with only one lane in each direction, they are required to slow down and proceed with caution.

However, if they are approaching the same situation on a highway with two or more lanes of traffic on the same side of the highway as the stopped emergency vehicle, in addition to slowing down and proceeding with caution they shall move into another lane if the movement can be made in safety.

A first offence carries a penalty of a fine ranging from $400 to $2,000, plus three demerit points upon conviction. A second offence within five years could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, possible jail time up to six months and possible suspension of driver's licence for up to two years.