RCMP remind public of passing emergency vehicles procedures

On November 23, 2017, Beaverlodge RCMP were called to assist with directing traffic while a vehicle was being removed from the ditch on highway 43 near Demmitt Alberta.

At approximately 9:30 PM a motorist approached the scene but failed to observe the emergency lights, attempted to go around the police vehicle thus striking the rear driver side corner of the police vehicle. Both the police vehicle and the offending vehicle sustained damages. None of the parties involved suffered any injuries.

The 30-year-old female driver from Dawson Creek will be facing charges of Careless Driving.

When driving, incidents may cause the lanes of the roadway to be blocked or narrowed. Some examples of this are traffic collisions, disabled vehicles, spilled cargo, and highway maintenance or construction.

The RCMP would like to remind motorist that flashing lights from emergency vehicles will warn you of a problem ahead. Reduce speed, carefully change lanes if necessary and be prepared to stop. Follow directions given by emergency personnel directing traffic. Be aware that the vehicle ahead of you may stop or reduce speed unexpectedly to view the scene.

Not only is it common sense to slow down past emergency vehicles, it’s also the law.

Fines are double in Alberta if you speed past stopped police vehicles, ambulances, fire and tow trucks with their lights flashing.