Can you believe it? We're almost half through our final month of summer. Time sure flies when you're having fun!
As everyone's favorite season slowly comes to an end, it is expected that the roads leading up North will be quite busy during these remaining August weekends. As a result, the Toronto auto accident lawyers and support staff at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLPwish to remind everyone of the importance of road safety in Ontario's beloved cottage country.
Of particular importance is Section 159(2)(3) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), which requires drivers passing an emergency vehicle parked on the side of a highway with its lights activated to slow down and proceed with caution, and if the highway is more than one lane, to leave one lane between their own vehicle and the emergency vehicle. This law has been commonly referred to as Ontario's Move Over Law and can result in a fine of $400-$2000 (and three demerit points) if a driver who fails to move over is charged and convicted. The purpose of this provision, it seems, is to ensure the safety of Ontario's highways, drivers, and emergency responders.
Unfortunately, a recent publication on muskokanewswatch.com has reported that despite ten years of public education efforts, since the year 2010, there has been a "slow but steady increase in the number of Move Over charges laid against drivers." In fact, muskokanewswatch.com reports that there were 1,502 section 159(2)(3) charges in 2013, which indicates that Ontario drivers are likely unaware of this important law. Furthermore, five Ontario Provincial Police officers "have been killed as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle while doing their job on the roadside and many more have been injured." Clearly, S.159(2)(3) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) is too important to be ignored and must be observed.
If you were injured on the roads due to a negligent driver, contact our Toronto personal injury firm. We offer consultations!