2021 Slow Down, Move Over Event

Last night, Thursday, March 11, 2021, representatives from City Wide Towing, the Calgary Fire Department, AHS-EMS, the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund and the Calgary Police Service were out on Stoney Trail S.E. reminding citizens to slow down and move over whenever they see first responders flashing their lights on roadways.

"Firefighters are often first on the scene of multi-vehicle collisions in our city. Our number one priority is to help citizens in distress and usually this means stationary large vehicles on the roadway. Please pass by these scenes in a safe and responsible way. Don’t become the next incident we have to respond to." - Chief Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department

On March 7, 2017, tow truck driver Courtney Schaefer was struck and killed near Esterhazy, Sask. In remembrance of his death and to remind the public about the dangers these professionals face when working on busy roadways, the fourth annual roadside event will be taking place tonight.

Police remind motorists that they must reduce their speed to 60 km/h or the posted speed, whichever is lower, whenever passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks that are stopped with their lights flashing. This law applies to the lane(s) immediately next to the stopped vehicles.

The fine for speeding in these areas is doubled. If you are not in the lane next to the stopped vehicles, reduce speed and leave lots of space between yourself and emergency personnel and equipment at the scene.