New Brunswick is looking to expand its move-over law to include tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.
The province introduced a series of amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act on Tuesday.
“We’re pretty pleased with that,” said Gary Howard, spokesperson for CAA Atlantic, in a phone interview.
The organization is one of many which have been pushing for the changes for some time.
Under the current law, which came into effect in 2013, drivers are only required to slow down and move over for ambulances, police and fire vehicles which are stopped on the road with their flashing lights on.
We are thrilled to announce tow trucks are now included in the Slow Down, Move Over legislation in all four Atlantic provinces.
This is a huge day for all roadside workers and we will continue to advocate for them. @Gov_NB pic.twitter.com/9eyWFENhdn
— CAA Atlantic (@CAAAtlantic) November 26, 2019
The changes would also set a maximum speed limit for vehicles passing stopped emergency vehicles. Drivers would not be allowed to exceed half the posted speed limit.
Howard said the next step is continuing to educate people about the importance of giving emergency vehicles space.
“Not only is it the law, but it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “This is their workplace.”
Howard said New Brunswick would be the last province to include tow trucks in their move-over legislation.
We’re making changes to improve safety on our roads. That includes requiring drivers to move over and slow down for tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles and private and public utility vehicles that have their flashing lights engaged.https://t.co/eFMUBBGIrz pic.twitter.com/FXe0XemLKg
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) November 26, 2019
New Brunswick is also cracking down on distracted drivers and people who pass stopped school buses.
The proposed changes would double the fines for both infractions and increase the number of demerit points.
Distracted drivers would face a fine of $280 and five demerit points. Drivers who pass a school bus with its red lights flashing would face a fine of $480 and six demerit points.
The province is also looking at developing a framework for the use of automated school bus camera systems.
