OPP urge drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles after police cruiser struck on Hwy. 401

An OPP cruiser is pictured in this undated photo. (Source: OPP Central Region)

Ontario Provincial Police are issuing a reminder to drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles after a police cruiser was hit while responding to a collision near Lansdowne, Ont. earlier this month.

According to Sgt. Erin Cranton, on June 8 at approximately 10:30 a.m., OPP officers were conducting traffic control on Highway 401 following a collision. A police cruiser was stationary with its emergency lights on when it was struck by a vehicle travelling at highway speed.

As a result of the collision, an OPP officer was sent to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

“This collision did not have to happen,” police said.

“Ontario’s Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and, when it is safe to do so, move into another lane when approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights.”

OPP say drivers who fail to slow down and move over can face fines and penalties and put lives at risk.

“This incident is a reminder that officers, tow operators, and other emergency responders are working just feet away from live traffic,” Staff Sgt. Julie Anne De Groot, an officer with the OPP’s Traffic Incident Management Enforcement Team, said.

“We need drivers to pay attention, slow down, and move over so everyone gets home safely.”

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