WINNIPEG, MB, May 14, 2024
/CNW/ - A recent study conducted by CAA Manitoba revealed
a knowledge gap in how drivers understand and comply with Slow Down
Move Over (SDMO) laws. According to the study, 85 per cent of
drivers claim they are aware of the SDMO law – however, only 41 per
cent have a clear understanding of its definition.
The survey also found that a third of drivers (30 per cent)
confuse the SDMO law with the one that requires drivers to give
emergency vehicles the right of way and clear passage when stopped
on the side of the road.
"This data shows us that there is a big divide and
misunderstanding between the law in theory and the law in
practice," says Ewald Friesen,
manager of government and community relations CAA Manitoba. "Lack
of understanding of the Slow Down Move Over law poses a significant
safety risk for tow truck operators and emergency vehicles on the
province's roads."
To help keep tow operators safe, CAA Manitoba
is using National Slow Down Move Over Day to remind drivers of the
law, its purpose and penalties for non-compliance.
On May 14, all CAA Clubs across
Canada are coordinating a National
Slow Down Move Over Day, part of a broader campaign to remind
motorists to be mindful and cautious around truck operators
assisting others on the roadside.
Across North America, more than
100 tow truck drivers have been killed in the last decade
after being struck by oncoming traffic while helping stranded
motorists with flat tires, breakdowns, and collisions. Given the
lack of data collection on these types of deaths, this number is
very conservative. Add to that the significant number of
injuries and near misses demonstrates just how important it is to
educate the public about the Slow Down Move Over law.
"Tow truck operators face a high risk of injury when on the side
of the road or in a live lane helping stranded drivers. "These are
real people with friends, families and loved ones," says Friesen.
"CAA Manitoba will always advocate for their safety to create safer
roads across Manitoba for
everyone, including those working alongside it."
In Manitoba, the SDMO law
requires drivers to slow down when a vehicle is working along the
roadside. If the posted speed limit is less than 80
km/h, drivers are required to slow down to 40 km/h. If
the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, drivers are
required to slow down to 60 km/h.
Drivers are not as concerned for the safety of
tow truck operators as they should be.
The survey also found that when compared to other types of
emergency vehicles, Manitoban drivers tend to slow down less for
tow truck operators. While motorists say they will reduce their
speed and fully change lanes when they encounter emergency vehicles
like police (95 per cent), ambulances (93 per cent) and fire trucks
(89 per cent) only 70 per cent will slow down and move over for a
tow operator.
"Everyone deserves a safe place to work, including tow truck
operators who are working in extremely unsafe conditions, "says
Friesen. " CAA Manitoba will continue to educate the public on road
safety, and bring awareness to the laws that have been put in place
to protect tow operators along with other emergency roadside
assistance."
CAA Manitoba is encouraging motorists to get informed on the
laws put in place to protect tow operators and other emergency
roadside assistance on National Slow Down, Move Over Day.
To learn more about Slow Down, Move Over, visit:
https://www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy/government-relations/slow-down.
Dig Insights conducted an online survey on behalf of
CAA Manitoba between October
26th –November 6th, 2023 of 758 Manitoba drivers aged 18-75
years. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per
cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 3 per
cent
About CAA Manitoba
CAA Manitoba is a trusted Member-based organization that
provides products and services that are essential to Members'
safety and peace of mind. With over 200,000 Members in the
province, CAA Manitoba advocates on issues such as road safety and
infrastructure, the environment, seniors' mobility, and consumer
protection. From legendary 24-hour emergency roadside assistance to
expert automotive, travel and insurance services, a CAA Manitoba
membership offers a great range of savings, rewards, and benefits.
For more information, visit caamanitoba.com.
SOURCE CAA Manitoba