REGINA, Sask. — Oct. 17, is CAA Slow Down Move Over Day in Saskatchewan, Canada, and across North America.
It honours tow truck operators, emergency responders, law enforcement officers, construction workers and others who put themselves at risk while working along roads and highways.
In Saskatchewan, drivers approaching an emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights must slow to 60 km/h. CAA offers additional advice when in the “zone.”
Check your mirrors, signal early and move over when it is safe. If you cannot change lanes, stay alert and leave as much room as possible. A few careful seconds can save a life.
Roadside workers are there when motorists need help most. Slowing down and giving them room helps ensure they get home safely to their families at the end of their workday. CAA reports that nearly 100 tow truck operators are killed every year across North America after being struck by passing vehicles.
"Every person working on or beside our highways deserves to return home safely at the end of the day. CAA Slow Down Move Over Day is an important reminder for drivers to slow down, move over when it is safe to do so, and stay alert whenever they encounter emergency vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance equipment, or roadside workers. By making safety a priority, we can help protect the people who keep Saskatchewan moving,” said Highways Minister Kim Gartner.
“Every day, we face real danger while helping motorists on Saskatchewan roads,” said CAA tow truck operator Kurt Elmer. “When a driver slows down and gives us room, we can do our job more safely.”
“When we’re stopped on the side of the highway helping someone, we just want to get them back on the road safely,” said CAA tow truck operator Sheldon Puff. “All we ask is that drivers slow down, pay attention, and give us some room. It helps keep everyone safe and makes sure we get home at the end of the day too.”
CAA Saskatchewan is organizing a parade in Regina on Oct. 17 to help bring attention to this important issue. Participating roadside vehicles will travel together at 60 km/h with emergency or warning lights flashing. The parade will recognize those who work on and alongside Saskatchewan roads, while reminding drivers to slow down and move over when approaching roadside workers.
The parade starts at Thom Collegiate High School at 11 a.m. The vehicles will travel south on the Ring Road to the University of Regina (Parking Lot 1).
