New BC Laws this summer

[rnorrish]

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009PSSG0041-000675

April 6, 2009
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

NEW RULES OF THE ROAD PROTECT EMERGENCY WORKERS' SAFETY

VANCOUVER – The Province will enhance the safety of emergency workers by requiring drivers to slow
down and move over when passing parked emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing, Minister of Public
Safety and Solicitor General John van Dongen and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon
announced today.

“We’re doing this for emergency workers who are out there, working to save lives on our roads in all
kinds of conditions,” said van Dongen. “Too often, these workers face near-misses, injury or even death –
directly due to the carelessness of passing drivers.”

“Between 2001 and 2007, 21 emergency workers were injured or killed on B.C. roads – 12 of them at
the roadside,” said Falcon. “We’re joining other jurisdictions by fining those who don’t slow down and, where
they safely can, move over, so emergency workers don’t pay with their lives for doing their jobs.”
Beginning June 1, drivers must slow to 70 km/h on highways where the speed limit is 80 km/h or
higher, and to 40 km/h where the limit is below 80 km/h, when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle that
has its lights flashing. If there is another lane going in the same direction, drivers must also move into that lane
if it is safe to do so.

“My colleagues and I want motorists to consider not only the new penalty, but the safety of all
emergency workers as they drive past an incident,” said Supt. Norm Gaumont, RCMP B.C. Traffic Services. “In
situations where every second counts, everyone benefits from safe, focused emergency services personnel.”
The requirements will apply to drivers passing police, fire, ambulance and towing vehicles, as well as
vehicles used by commercial vehicle safety and enforcement personnel, passenger vehicle inspectors,
conservation officers, park rangers, and special provincial constables employed in the Ministry of Forests and
Range.

Those found in contravention will face a fine and three penalty points against their licence. The fine,
including a 15 per cent victim surcharge, is $148 if paid within 30 days or $173 thereafter. Currently, five
provinces and 40 U.S. states have similar requirements. An existing penalty remains in place for failing to yield
to a moving emergency vehicle.

Media contact:
Cindy Rose
Media Relations
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961

[510-Trevor]

Last year Alberta brought in a similar law. The only major differences being that here you have to slow to 60kph and only in the lane(s) adjacent to the emergency vehichle.
Kind of weird how with all the existing laws, everyone seems to have to put there own little twist on it.

[hang_510]

down here they just made new signs saying the fines will be double in a const zone...like thats gonna saves lives

[datzenmike]

I'm not often working on the highways, but around town it's a different story.

It's a form of inattention that drivers get used to the roads they drive on day after day and they simply just don't 'see' people working there and just drive by without slowing and showing proper care. The other side of the coin is they do see and get pissed off. Worst offenders are the elderly and the young. Overall EVERYONE exceeds the speed limit... without exception. I don't know why it's called a speed limit, everyone knows you can drive at least 10kmph over with impunity. I bike to work but drive the company van. I don't get paid to have an accident or get a ticket and so I drive about 3km over the limit. I'm in no hurry, there is no hurry, I'll get there eventually.

[goichi1]

3 km over is still speeding... , I try not to speed, but in the coupe it's hard not too.....in Japan the roads are really tight, but people still fly down them....very small margin for error.....I don't think I have seen the limit over 70kph anywhere in Japan....the only difference in japan is that you generally lose everything if you hit someone and injure/kill them.....you will work the rest of your life to pay for the medical/family/lost wages or whatever else they deem necessary, plus you may go to prison too!!

[nickledimeme]

3 km over is still speeding... , I try not to speed, but in the coupe it's hard not too.....in Japan the roads are really tight, but people still fly down them....very small margin for error.....I don't think I have seen the limit over 70kph anywhere in Japan....the only difference in japan is that you generally lose everything if you hit someone and injure/kill them.....you will work the rest of your life to pay for the medical/family/lost wages or whatever else they deem necessary, plus you may go to prison too!!

That's how they keep all them people riding bicycles still..