NSNDP

April 17th, 2018

NDP bill to protect tow truck drivers passes

Nova Scotia Move Over law will now included tow trucks along with first responders.

HALIFAX – Today, the Nova Scotia legislature passed NDP legislation that will protect tow truck drivers along with first responders on Nova Scotia roads. The bill adds tow truck drivers to the Move Over law that requires drivers to slow down and change lanes if possible when first responders are stopped to assist another vehicle.

“This change will improve safety on our roads,” said Dave Wilson, NDP MLA for Sackville-Cobequid, who sponsored the bill. “I introduced this legislation after being approached by several tow truck drivers who highlighted the risks they take each day on the side of our highways. I’m pleased we were able to make this change to help provide some level of protection.”

The legislation was tabled in the fall, it passed today with all-party support.

“People speed past emergency situations on the highway all the time. The side of the road is our workplace, and having tow truck operators included in the Move Over law will make things safer for us at work,” said Paul Beaton, President of the Roadside Responders Association of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia’s law applies to emergency vehicles with lights flashing, including police and fire vehicles, ambulances and, once the legislation is proclaimed, to tow trucks as well.

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