(Queen's Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop announced today that the Ernie Eves government has introduced legislation that, if passed, will require drivers on provincial highways to slow down and, if possible, move to another lane when approaching stopped emergency enforcement vehicles with their red lights flashing.

"This legislation will increase the safety of emergency personnel when they're trying to do their jobs," said Dunlop. "Our government believes that this legislation – combined with a pro-active public education campaign – will reduce the number of fatal accidents involving Ontario?s emergency service workers."

The proposed amendment to the Highway Traffic Act calls for traffic approaching emergency vehicles stopped on highways with their red emergency lights activated to slow to a reasonable speed, and, if there is more than one lane of traffic in the same direction, move into another lane if traffic flow will allow them to do so safely.

A person who contravenes these requirements will be guilty of an offence punishable, for a first offence, by a fine of $400 to $2,000, and for subsequent offences, by a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, or to imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or to both a fine and imprisonment. The court that convicts a person of an offence may also suspend his or her driver?s licence for a maximum of two years.

"The penalties for non-compliance are tough, and that's the way it should be," said Public Safety and Security Minister Bob Runciman. "We can't afford to lose even one more officer in this tragic way. Police, fire and emergency personnel realize they face life-threatening situations every day. But deaths and serious injuries from this type of accident can be avoided."

Ontario Provincial Police Association President Brian Adkin is pleased the government is introducing the legislation. "OPP officers know first hand the dangers of policing on Ontario's high-speed routes. We believe this legislation is a potential life-saver that will help protect our members in the line of duty."

If the legislation is passed, there will be a phasing-in period to give drivers the opportunity to adapt to the change. The new bill complements the current Highway Traffic Act law that requires drivers to stop and/or move to the right to enable moving emergency vehicles to get through traffic.

Saskatchewan and 16 U.S. states have already enacted similar legislation.