Despite it being the law for almost two decades, emergency responders continue to experience situations where their lives are put at risk by a driver not slowing down.
When approaching an emergency vehicle, including tow trucks, stopped on the highway with its emergency lights flashing, drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing unless the emergency vehicle is on the opposite side of a divided highway. This does not apply to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. It does apply to opposite direction traffic on single lane highways.
Fines start at $210 for speeding 10 km/hr faster than the maximum 60 km/hr. Collisions that result in injuries or fatalities, may result in criminal charges.
It only takes a split second for something to happen at higher speeds; slowing down could literally be the difference between life and death.
Incidents of note:
On March 22 at 2:08 p.m., CPPS responded to assist Sask Highway Patrol Officer who had executed a traffic stop on TWP 390 east of HWY16 for speeding and disobeying a stop sign. The driver had been detained for an impaired driving investigation after observing alcohol in plain view within the vehicle. The vehicle was searched during which time a quantity of meth and a pipe was located along with a dozen beer. The driver passed the roadside alcohol test as well as a Standard Field Sobriety Test. The drugs and pipe were seized for destruction. The driver was issued a citation for the alcohol in the vehicle, as well as the two other traffic offences.
On March 23 at 5:10 p.m., CPPS came upon a two-vehicle collision on Highway 12 and TWP 382. Two vehicles were involved with no injuries to any of the occupants of either vehicle. The driver of one vehicle was charged with Failing to Yield Right of Way when entering Highway. Both vehicles were towed from the from scene and the owners were notified of process to follow when reporting to SGI.
On March 23 at 5:20 p.m., a CPPS officer came across a separate collision on HWY 12 just north of TWP 381. A north bound Dodge pickup had rear- ended a Chev Traverse; upon being struck the SUV collided with another grey Dodge Ram. The first two vehicles were not drivable. Three occupants of the first two vehicles sustained serious injuries and were transported from the scene by EMS. The collision is under investigation.
On March 20 at 11:40 p.m., CPPS conducted a stop on a vehicle that on Dalmeny Road at a speed of 68 km/hr in a 90 zone. The driver was found to not have a valid operators license. There was also a strong smell of cannabis from the vehicle, with the driver admitting to consuming cannabis minutes before driving the vehicle. He provided a sample of oral fluid which resulted in a result of positive for THC. The driver was issued a 7-day vehicle impoundment and 60-day license suspension as well as a summons for driving without an appropriate driver’s license.