RCMP to issue a reminder following multiple incidents of drivers passing emergency vehicles

November 20, 2019
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

News release

RCMP Corner Brook ticketed five drivers in October in three separate incidents on the Trans-Canada Highway of vehicles passing ambulances with emergency equipment activated.

On October 16, on the TCH near Steady Brook, an ambulance travelling with light and sirens activated was passed by a pick-up truck. Two days later, also near Steady Brook, an ambulance, with lights and sirens activated was passed by two vehicles simultaneously. The third incident occurred on October 23, near Pasadena, when two vehicles simultaneously passed an ambulance with lights and sirens activated.

In all cases, police issued summary offense tickets under Section 121 of the Highway Traffic Act for failing to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. This includes a fine of $390 and two points deducted from the driver's licence.

The RCMP reminds motorists that upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens activated, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle. Immediately pull over to the right hand side of the curb or edge of the roadway, clear of an intersection, stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed. Under no circumstances is a driver permitted to overtake an emergency vehicle travelling on the roadway with its lights and sirens activated.

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Contact information

Corner Brook RCMP
709-637-4433

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