CAA Encourages Changes to Highway Traffic Act

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 6, 2012) - It's the law to slow down and move over when approaching a police cruiser, fire truck or ambulance that is stopped along a highway with its red or blue lights flashing. A Private Member's Bill is now hoping to add tow trucks to that list.

On Monday, March 5, 2012, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop reintroduced his Private Member's Bill, the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Roadside Assistance Vehicles), 2012.

If passed, Dunlop's Bill would amend the Highway Traffic Act, Section 159 (2 & 3) to include tow truck operators and police department support vehicles with flashing amber lights to the current list of roadside assistance vehicles.

"A simple amendment to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act will help protect the 4,500 tow truck operators in Ontario, like similar legislation in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and 39 U.S. states," explained Dunlop.

"At CAA North & East Ontario we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to work, which is why we are calling for changes to the Highway Traffic Act that would undoubtedly help to reduce unnecessary injuries and fatalities," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAA North & East Ontario. "The inclusion of tow truck operators in the Slow Down, Move Over Legislation will not only acknowledge the dangers these drivers face on a daily basis, but will also increase the safety of all motorists."

In January of this year, a tow truck operator was struck and killed by a vehicle while changing a tire along the side of Highway 3 in southern Ontario, reiterating the fact that busy highways can be a dangerous place to work. This unfortunate and tragic incident highlights the dire need for the Highway Traffic Act to be amended in order to better protect tow truck operators.

"I hope that all parties will support me on this very important safety initiative, which will provide the protection that these workers deserve," added Dunlop.

CAA North & East Ontario encourages all motorists to slow down and move over whenever possible when you see anyone along the side of a highway.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided Travel, Emergency Road Services, Insurance and Advocacy for its Members.