Slow Down Move Over: A Simple Action that Helps Save Lives

Keeping people safe on the road isn’t just about your own trip — it’s about protecting everyone sharing the roadways with you. When you see tow truck operators or other first responders pulled over with their lights flashing, you have a role to play in their safety. Across North America, dozens of roadside workers, especially tow truck operators, are hit by passing vehicles each year. Unfortunately, these tragedies have occurred recently in Saskatchewan while tow truck operators were assisting motorists. “On a daily basis, we’re reminded of the dangers of our profession as first responders working to help motorists in need on Saskatchewan roads,” said CAA Tow Truck Operator Kurt Elmer. “Motorists, please respect tow truck operators’ work zones. At the end of our shifts, we just want to return home to our loved ones.” CAA’s Slow Down Move Over safety campaign exists to give professionals space to work safely and to reduce dangerous close calls. In Saskatchewan, it is the law that drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing stopped emergency or service vehicles with their lights flashing. That includes law enforcement, paramedics, construction crews, tow truck operators, firefighters, and snowplow operators.