Tag Archives: slow down and move over

Construction and Rainy Road Conditions

car-in-rainAs you may have noticed, it seems like there is construction happening everywhere causing delays and frustration to many Winnipeg drivers. We wanted to send a reminder because of all the construction and rain we’ve been having that you stay safe on the roads.

One important factor you need to remember when driving in these road conditions, is to adjust your your driving speed. This is not only for your safety but for the construction workers and others around you. According to the Slow Down and Move Over law, Manitoba doubles the fines for speeding in a construction zone.

If you know that you are going to be spending some time caught in traffic, make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the drive.

When was the last time you checked on your tires?  They should properly inflated and maintained.

How is your gas tank? Top off your tank so you don’t need to worry about it later.

To be clearly seen on the road by other motorists, all your lights (headlights, signal, brake and taillights) should be in working condition.

Are your windshield wipers working properly? This is to ensure that they maintain proper visibility. There should be enough windshield wiper fluid to help clean away muddy water or dirt to keep your windshield clean.

Despite your best efforts the unforeseen can occur, and breakdowns can happen. If you are caught in a jam, contact Dr. Hook for Roadside Assistance. Our services include towing, flat tires, out of gas, locked keys and battery service. Give us a call and we will help get you back on your way.

Make sure that you take advantage of the Dr. Hook Towing and Recovery’s Guaranteed Roadside Assistance program.  The program is free and as a member, you receive first priority. Since you are a member, we will have all your information already on file, allowing for a quicker response time.

Slow Down and Move Over

SpedometerRecently the RCMP and CAA Manitoba set up a mock incident on Hwy 1 where an emergency vehicle was at the side of the road assisting a motorist.

The tow truck was pulled over near St. Francois Xavier at the side of the Trans-Canada Highway, set to assist a stalled vehicle. 316 vehicles had driven past the incident. Almost all vehicles failed to slow down and “move over,” an offense that would include a $300 ticket and 2 demerits.

Drivers must slow down to 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is less than 79 km/h. You need to slow down to 60 km/h when the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher. Motorists are required to also move to a traffic lane farthest from the emergency vehicle if possible.

Some important areas of the assessment included:
– Nearly 11% of drivers observed did not move over at all
– 83% of the drivers observed did move over to the next lane, but of those, only 1% slowed down to 60 km/h
– One motorcycle passing the scene was not moved over and travelling 123 km/h
– One semi failing to slow down and move over was doing 107 km/h
– The average speed of those who did move over but did not slow down was 101 km/h
– The average speed of those who did not move over was 98 km/h

Although no tickets were issued, this mock incident is a reminder that Manitobans are failing to obey this law. This is the type of risk our workers face each day on the roads. Please respect the safety of our tow truck operators and slow down and move over.

Contact us at Dr. Hook Towing