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Smithers RCMP reminds drivers about rules for approaching emergency vehicles

As warm weather brings more traffic to the Bulkley Valley, police are urging motorists to slow down and make room for emergency vehicles.
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As warm weather brings more traffic to the Bulkley Valley

Bulkley Valley motorists are being urged to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles and construction zones.

Smithers RCMP today issued a reminder to drive appropriately as warmer weather leads to more traffic, road works and law enforcement on northern highways.

Staff Sergeant Rob Mitchell said it was a "friendly reminder” that was not prompted by a specific incident.

Drivers are reminded they must reduce their speed as they approach any official vehicle, including police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, conservations officers, park rangers and commercial vehicle safety enforcement.

They are also required to move into the adjacent lane on a multi-lane road if it is safe to do so, or yield to oncoming traffic.

If the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or more, drivers travelling in both directions must slow down to a maximum of 70 km/h.

Where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h all motorists must reduce their speed to 40 km/h.

Drivers who fail to obey these rules can be fined $173.