'Slow down and move over' this long weekend: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police – including detachments in northern Ontario – will be out in full force for the Civic Holiday long weekend.

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle with the front passenger door opened. (File Photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

The OPP long weekend traffic campaign will run from Aug. 2 – 5, with police focusing on traffic moving over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks, as well as they call the "Big Four" – distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding/aggressive driving and seatbelts.

“If the road has two or more lanes, slow down and move over,” said police on social media.

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Heavy traffic volumes are expected on roadways and drivers will see a greater presence of emergency vehicles in order to keep all road users safe.

Police are reminding motorists that being a safe, attentive driver means keeping an eye out for emergency vehicles and tow trucks on the roadside, slowing down and moving over a lane when it is safe to do so.

“Slow down and move over if you see an emergency vehicle with their lights flashing,” said police in a news release earlier this week.

“If the emergency vehicle is stopped on the same side of the highway as you are going, slow down and pass with caution.”

In their social media posts leading up to the long weekend, the OPP posted a video showing drivers what not to do.

Failure to comply with the move over law carries a $490 to $2,000 fine plus three demerit points upon conviction. Subsequent offences carry a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, possible jail time of up to six months and a driver's licence suspension of up to two years.

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Almost 1,300 drivers were charged in 2023 for failing to comply with the provincial move over law and last year’s Civic Long Weekend campaign saw seven individuals in northern Ontario charged for failing to move for emergency vehicles among hundreds of other charges.

“While enjoying the festivities, the OPP reminds motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive,” said police.

“If you observe a suspected impaired driver, please call 911 or contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.”