CAA Atlantic asking motorists to keep tow truck operators safe by Slowing Down and Moving Over
May 10, 2022 – Saint John, NB – CAA Atlantic and the RCMP are urging motorists to make space for tow trucks and emergency vehicles providing rescues at the roadside through the 4th National Slow Down Move Over Day.
The day promotes a safe working environment for tow truck operators in Atlantic Canada. CAA has long advocated for the protection of roadside assistance workers through Slow Down, Move Over laws. In 2019, New Brunswick became the final Canadian province to add tow trucks to its Slow Down Move Over legislation.
“Our roadside employees performed over 100,000 rescue operations in 2021 for our Members on highways and roads throughout Atlantic Canada,” said Dawn Dalley, President & CEO, CAA Atlantic. “We want them to have a safe workplace so we are imploring drivers to understand the law and slow down and move over.”
“Every day, police, paramedic, firefighters and tow truck drivers across Canada work on the side of our roadways. Near misses are reported many times per year and we ask that everyone slow down so emergency service workers can get home safe to their families” says Cpl. Chris Marshall, Public Information Officer for the Nova Scotia RCMP.
Across Canada, CAA is launching public education campaigns today to draw attention to the safety risks tow truck drivers face. Thousands of near misses are reported by emergency roadside operators annually and, across North America, approximately 100 tow truck drivers are killed every year after being struck by oncoming traffic while helping stranded motorists with flat tires, breakdowns and collisions.
For more information, please visit atlantic.caa.ca/SlowDownMoveOver
About CAA Atlantic
CAA Atlantic is part of the Canadian Automobile Association federation of eight Clubs providing more than six million Members with roadside assistance, Member rewards and comprehensive automotive and travel services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection.
For more information contact:
Julia Kent
Director, Social Responsibility & Advocacy
902-402-8800
jkent@atlantic.caa.ca