The Regina Police Service is reminding motorists of the provisions in the Traffic Safety Act which require motorists to slow down to 60 km/hr when passing emergency vehicles with emergency lights in operation. Regina Police, along with RCMP members will be conducting targeted enforcement today: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 on Regina’s Ring Road. Details requiring motorists to slow to 60 km/h for emergency vehicles (on roadways where the posted speed limit is greater than 60 km/hr) can be found in Section 204(1) of the province’s Traffic Safety Act.
Motorists are reminded that, even though road conditions are generally good at this time of year, they still need to be on the lookout for emergency vehicles and adjust their speed as required by law. Drivers should remember:
- Emergency lights are often the first sign of a problem. Watch for the red/blue/white lights of police vehicles (but also pay attention to the flashing amber lights of tow trucks or construction crews, re: Sections 203-205, Traffic Safety Act.).
- Be on the lookout for police officers and other emergency responders who may be out of their vehicles and dealing with a situation on foot.
- Start slowing down well in advance of the scene,
- Expect that others will have reduced their speed and prepare to come up on slower-moving traffic,
- Anticipate possible lane obstructions and the need to merge lanes.
The fines for failing to slow to 60 km/hr (as per Section 204(1) of the Traffic Safety Act) start at $210.00 and increase two dollars for every kilometer over the 60 km/hr requirement.
The Regina Police Service reminds motorists everyone can contribute to safety on our roadways. Good driving skills include following other traffic at a safe distance, and slowing down to 60 km/hr or less when passing emergency responders with emergency lights activated.
