Fort St. John RCMP warns drivers to stop for emergency vehicles

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Close-up image of a Fort St. John RCMP pick up truck. — Stock image of an RCMP cruiser. The Fort St. John RCMP reminded drivers about the rules for stopped emergency vehicles. (Spencer Hall, Energeticcity.ca)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Police in Fort St. John are warning residents to be cautious when approaching stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles.

In a news release on March 27th, Fort St. John RCMP say drivers who fail to slow down and, when safe to do so, stop for emergency vehicles could be issued a ticket.

The penalty is up to $173 as well as three points on their driving record under the Motor Vehicle Act.

According to Fort St. John RCMP, from 2014 to 2023, 251 roadside workers have been hit by vehicles while on the job. Nine of those died.

The RCMP says drivers who are travelling in a speed zone of 80 km/h or faster must slow down to 70 km/h when passing a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing red, blue or amber lights.

Drivers in a speed zone of less than 80 km/h are required to slow down to 40 km/h.

When asked by Energeticcity.ca, the Fort St. John RCMP confirmed the warning does not relate to any particular circumstance and instead was issued as a reminder.