A dire warning to slow down and move over from Saanich Police.
Last Thursday around 4 p.m., a traffic safety officer pulled a vehicle over in the 700 block of Vernon Avenue. Saanich Police say the officer turned on his emergency lights and put on a high visibility vest before going to speak with the driver. After talking with them the officer returned to his car and opened the driver's door. As he was about to climb in, the driver's door was struck by a passing motorist who had failed to move over for an emergency vehicle.
Luckily the officer wasn't injured, but the driver's door was damaged.
Saanich Police say this incident is a strong reminder of how dangerous it can be for roadside workers.
In 2009, the Slow Down, Move Over law came into effect in BC, requiring drivers who are approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, to slow down to either 70km/hr in an 80km/hr zone or 40km/hr in a 50km/hr zone, and on multi-laned roads, move over into another lane.
Drivers failing to follow this law may find themselves with a $173 ticket and 3 points on their driver's license.