New signs are going up along Manitoba highways that urge drivers to 'slow down and move over' when encountering emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing. Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler made the announcement Wednesday morning. He says it has become apparent that many drivers are not obeying that law.

"We have heard from First Responders such as the RCMP, rural paramedics and fire services as well as tow truck operators and the tow truck industry and motor carrier enforcement officers, that there is a problem when they are on the side of the road. They need motorists to slow down and safely move over to give response crews a safe space to do their jobs, often life-saving jobs."

Kyle McFadyen, Staff Sergeant of the RCMP Traffic Services Unit, is hoping the signs will help keep this message top of mind for drivers.

"These signs help us in reaching out to the public to make our roads safer. It is the law while passing stopped emergency vehicles with lights activated, to slow down and move over if it is safe to do so. If the speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour or above, you are required to slow down to 60. And if the speed limit is below 80 kilometres per hour, you are required to slow down to 40."

This law has been in place since 2011, but Tim Scott, president of CAA Manitoba, says there have been many occasions where motorists have not followed that law, resulting in injuries and death for emergency workers. He notes in North America, over 100 tow truck operators die in such incidents every year.

Schuler reminds drivers that the fine for violating this law is $298 plus two demerits on your licence.

The new signs will be placed on major routes entering Manitoba and departing major centres as well as on lesser routes.