A Message from CAA

During December, while bravely helping stranded CAA motorists, two towing industry heroes were tragically killed in separate incidents. We humbly honour their memory. This edition of our magazine focuses on safety, and road safety affects — and begins with — every motorist. As CAA Members, I believe we can all help spread this message and set a solid example for everyone to emulate.

On our highways, official speed limits vary between 90 and 110 km/h, depending on the stretch of highway. Many times, actual traffic speeds far exceed these limits. Regardless of the speed, fast-moving traffic poses a direct and immediate life safety threat to motorists who are stranded at the side of the highway or roadway, and to the first responders (police, fire, ambulance) and CAA Rescuers who are working diligently to help others and to clear the roads for all motorists.

The Highway Traffic Act’s Slow Down, Move Over law requires drivers to slow down significantly and move one lane over (if safe to do so) when passing stopped emergency vehicles (tow, police, fire, ambulance). Penalties and fines are given to those who do not respect this law. But beyond the legalities, slowing down and moving one lane over when passing first responders and distressed motorists is simply the right and safe thing to do. We just have to place ourselves in their position to realize how frightening it is when traffic is speeding past at less than a metre away.

I urge all of us, when we see those flashing lights or vehicles pulled over to the side, to remember that there are lives at risk — it could be any one of us. Please slow down, move over and proceed with the utmost caution. You will be helping others in distress.

Sincerely,

Jay Woo

President & CEO

CAA Club Group of Companies