A member of the Halifax District RCMP suffered minor injuries when his SUV was struck from behind while he was stopped on the side of Highway 102 in Fall River on Sunday morning.
Police say the Mountie was in his vehicle, which is fully marked and had its emergency lights turned on.
“The police officer was stopped to assist a driver at a single-vehicle collision on Hwy. 102 near the Hwy. 118 interchange,” the RCMP said in a news release. “A vehicle in the southbound lanes approaching the collision scene from behind, lost control in the corner, and collided with the rear driver's side of the police vehicle.”
Police say the officer was taken to hospital and later released.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the police vehicle was assessed by paramedics at the scene and was released at the scene.
Police say they are investigating the incident.
After the close call over the weekend, RCMP are reminding the public about the move-over law, which came into effect in 2010.
Under the law, if you see an emergency vehicle pulled over with its lights flashing, you must slow down to 60 km/h or obey the speed limit if it's lower.
If you're on a road with two or more lanes in your direction, you must also move into another lane, if it's safe to do so.
“The ones that we see are still drivers, not giving the right away to a firetruck with lights and sirens,” said Halifax Fire and Emergency Deputy Chief Roy Hollett. “It's the law. I can't tell you why it doesn't happen.”
In September 2017, RCMP Const. Frank Deschenes was killed while helping a motorist change a tire along a highway in New Brunswick.
Some first responders say motorists still aren't following the law, even after the tragedy.
“I've had people yell the, using various statements with the F word,” said Hollett. “I've been given the bird, they look at me and won't move, because going to an emergency is interrupting their day.”
In addition to emergency officials, the law also requires people to move over for public safety officers and tow truck drivers.
Fines for not slowing down start at $350 for a first offence.
“We're just trying to be sage on the road, just like any other emergency vehicles on there, and we're just reminding the public to pay attention, slow down & move over, if they are able to,” said Nova Scotia RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Lisa Croteau.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Natasha Pace.
