70% of British Columbians don't know about a critical driving law | Daily Hive

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While it might seem like common sense, most British Columbians are unaware of a critical driving law in the province.

The law we’re referring to is the Slow Down, Move Over law, and according to a BCAA survey, 70 per cent of drivers in the province either have little or no knowledge of it.

The BC Ministry of Transportation states, “In British Columbia, motorists are required to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped alongside the road that have flashing red, blue, or yellow lights.”

You need to move for more than just first responders. The law requires drivers to move over for maintenance workers, utility workers, police, fire, ambulance and tow trucks, commercial vehicle safety enforcement personnel, land surveyors, animal control workers, garbage collectors, and other roadside workers.

When any of these vehicle types approach, drivers must slow their speed to 70 km/h when in an 80 km/h or over zone, or 40 km/h when in a zone under 80 km/h.

“If travelling on a multi-lane road, drivers must move into the adjacent lane when it is safe to do so to pass any stopped vehicle with flashing lights. Failure to do so can result in a $173 fine and three demerit points,” BCAA reminds drivers.

In addition to these findings about the Move Over law, 81 per cent of respondents said they’ve observed poor driving behaviour on B.C. roads.

The most commonly observed driving behaviours include speeding and rubbernecking. Rubbernecking is when a driver takes their eyes off the road to look at something else, like an accident on the other side.

BCAA also asked drivers why they think so many people are unaware. In response, 50 per cent of surveyed British Columbians blamed distracted driving, while 61 per cent felt drivers weren’t aware of the law.

“A concerning 59 per cent believe drivers simply don’t care about the risk they pose to others.”

It may seem like common sense, but, based on the survey findings, it isn’t. In response, BCAA has several tips for drivers, including:

Slow down safely, as cars behind you will take your cue
Allow extra space between you and the vehicle in front
Never use a phone while driving
Keep your speed slow while passing the scene

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