In light of 3 fatalities of tow truck operators in North Americans since November 18, Scrap King Towing in Salmo and Creston want to remind drivers that it is the law to “Slow Down Move Over” when driving on the highway.
In British Columbia, motorists are required to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped alongside the road that have flashing red, blue or yellow lights. Drivers must slow their speed to 70km/h when in an 80km/h or over zone and 40km/h when in an under 80km/h zone
When travelling on a multi-lane road, drivers must move into another lane to pass when passing stopped vehicles with a flashing light, where safe to do so. This provides roadside workers and emergency personnel with greater protection from accident and injury.
The penalties drivers face for failing to adjust their speed or failing to move over may receive a $173 traffic violation ticket that also carries three penalty points.
Statistically, in North America, a tow truck operator is killed on the job every six days. Between 2005 and 2014, 15 workers have been killed and 223 injured from being hit by a motor vehicle working on or beside the road. Workers include Police, Firefighters, Paramedic, Tow Truck Operators, Highway Maintenance workers.
“We are asking motorists to pay attention, follow the speed signs and most of all slow down and move over, it’s the law,” said Jacki office administrator at Scrap King Wrecking & Towing. “Please ensure our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters make it home. Our operators are there to make sure you make it home safe, so please give them the same courtesy.”
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the families of Wayne Kernachan (Keegz Towing, Genelle BC), John Stewart (GT Tow, Kansas City, MI) and Charles McGough (Wicked Towing, Fort Worth TX) who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the job.”