--- title: What to do when you see flashing lights on the side of the road ahead description: "You spot a vehicle on the side of the road, lights blazing. But what should you do? In Ontario, the answer is clear: Slow Down and Move Over!" image: https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(5)-4.png --- [ ![CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=160&height=41&name=CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png)](https://caaniagara.ca/) [![CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=165&height=41&name=CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png)](https://caaniagara.ca/) - [My Account](http://caaniagara.ca/redirect/redirect_myaccount.jsp) - [Find a Branch](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [Careers](https://caaniagara.ca/careers) - [CAA Niagara Blog](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/) ## Search Search Search - [Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - Manage Membership - [Join CAA](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Renew Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/renew) - [Compare Memberships](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - 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It's an emergency or service vehicle on the side of the road, lights blazing. But what should you do? In Ontario, the answer is clear: Slow Down and Move Over. The [Move Over Law](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/slowdownmoveover), part of the [Highway Traffic Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#BK266), is there to protect the brave folks who respond to emergencies on our roads – firefighters, paramedics, police officers, tow truck drivers, and utility workers. When their vehicles are stopped with flashing lights activated (including amber lights for tow trucks), it means they're likely in a dangerous situation. [Slow Down, Move Over](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/slowdownmoveover). It's a simple act, but one that can be the difference between life and death: ## How to Pass Safely: - Slow down. This is the most important step. - Check your surroundings for any oncoming traffic. Remember to always signal your intention before changing lanes. - When it's safe, change lanes to pass the vehicle. - Pass with caution if you can't move over. - Leave plenty of space between your car and the pulled-over vehicles. - Once you've passed safely, check your mirrors and return to your original lane. - Always be aware of your surroundings and drive cautiously. ## **Why Move Over?** It's not just the law (and the potential fines!). By moving over, you: - Reduce the risk of accidents. - Give roadside workers the space they need to do their jobs effectively. - Help to keep traffic flowing more smoothly. The Move Over Law is outlined in [Section 159 (2,3) of the Highway Traffic Act](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#BK266). To learn more about the importance of slowing down and moving over, [click here](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/slowdownmoveover). To learn more on CAA Niagara’s road safety initiatives, [click here](https://caaniagara.ca/community/safety-for-life). 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