Slow down, move over
Tow truck drivers, first responders, road maintenance crews and the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund are teaming up to bring awareness to road safety and the need for drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights.
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 fifth annual roadside event will be taking place tonight.
Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., today, Thursday, March 10, 2022, a contingent of emergency services vehicles will be parked in both directions on Deerfoot Trail near Glenmore Trail S.E., as a reminder to drivers to slow down and move over.
Motorists must reduce their speed to 60 km/h or the posted speed, whichever is lower, when 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.
"Working roadside is the most dangerous aspect of our job as tow truck operators and we need to be able to do our jobs as safely as possible. When you are in trouble on the road, we will be there to help. Give us room to work and we will have the issue resolved as quickly and safely as possible " – Jeff Hribnak, Operations Manager, City Wide Towing
“Paramedics are called upon to render care anytime, anywhere. This frequently includes emergencies along busy roads and thoroughfares in all types of weather, day or night. No matter where we are, our priority is to keep ourselves and our patients safe from further harm. You can do your part by choosing safety along with us: slow down and move over if you come upon first responders at work along a roadside.” –Naomi Nania, Acting Public Education Officer, Alberta Health Services, EMS.
“Firefighters are often one of the first emergency responders to arrive on the scene of motor vehicle collisions in our city. Our number one priority is to help citizens in distress and this means creating a safe and hazard free area for both patients and emergency personnel. Please slow down and give us the room to do our work safely and quickly for everyone’s benefit.” - Carol Henke Calgary Fire Department Public Information Officer
"Workplace safety is an important issue no matter where you work. Our workplace is dictated by where people need the most help. Tow truck drivers and emergency workers deserve safe working conditions while we keep you safe. As a driver, it is your duty to ensure the safety of those around you while on the road. Slow down, move over, watch out for us and each other." – Sgt. Dylan Harris, Calgary Police Service Traffic Section
“We need drivers to slow down and give first responders room to work because we want everyone to make it home safely to their families. The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund exists because we know all too well what it is like when a loved one never comes home again…as the result of an injury that could have easily been prevented." - Cliff O’Brien, Chair of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund.
“Carmacks Maintenance Services Ltd. is honoured to partner with all stakeholders in this critical awareness program. As the Highway Maintenance Contractor responsible for maintenance of Deerfoot Trail, our 24/7 operations require constant presence on the busiest highway in Alberta. We understand the importance of keeping our co-workers, all emergency response personnel and the motoring public safe when incidents occur, or essential maintenance is required,” says, Phillip Mendive, Area Manager, Calgary Carmacks Enterprises. “That maintenance worker, tow truck operator, police officer, firefighter and EMS worker are someone’s family. Slow Down and Move Over. Their immediate and work family thanks you.”