Edmonton police officers are reminding motorists to slow down when passing emergency vehicles, especially on roads where speed limits are higher.
The message comes after three officers were struck by vehicles last month alone.
Police and the Alberta Motor Association are reminding motorists that when they are passing emergency vehicles pulled over on the side of the road, they should be slowing down - and in areas where posted speed limits are higher, motorists are required to slow down to at least 60 km/h.
Officers were monitoring speeds and pulling over drivers in south Edmonton on Thursday to get the message out.
“It takes how many seconds out of your day to slow down to 60 km/h,” said Cst. Derek Burns with the Edmonton Police Service.
“We as police, I’m sure everyone else, appreciate the people who slow down.”
“The problem is people just don’t know the rules,” said Tim Edwards with the Alberta Motor Association.
“If you see a vehicle on the side of the road whether that be highway maintenance, ambulance, fire service, if you see flashing lights you should be slowing down to 60 km/h or trying to, if you can, get into the other lane.”
In July, three officers were struck by passing vehicles. The Edmonton Police Service says there have been too many close calls.
"At first when it happens, you feel the wind just grab your body and almost pull you into the lane, so I mean, I want to go home at the end of the day," Burns said.
The AMA also wants drivers to slow down for tow trucks and maintenance vehicles as well.
"I can wear all the florescent clothing I've got. I can put all the cones up in the world. But if people aren't paying attention, it doesn't make a difference," Edwards said.
Those caught speeding while passing emergency vehicles can face fines from between $115 to more than $700.
With files from Sonia Sunger
