Most BC Drivers Know the Slow Down, Move Over Law, But Many Still See It Ignored on the Road: BCAA Survey

Eight in 10 drivers have witnessed motorists fail to slow down and move over for roadside workers and emergency responders, according to a recent BCAA survey.

BURNABY, BC, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- A recent BCAA survey suggests that while most British Columbians understand the basics of BC's Slow Down, Move Over law, many continue to witness unsafe driving behaviour that puts roadside workers and emergency personnel at risk.

According to a recent survey of BC drivers, 88% know what to do when approaching a vehicle on the roadside with flashing red, blue or yellow lights. However, 81% say they have seen other drivers fail to slow down and move over when it's necessary to do so.

The findings highlight an ongoing gap between awareness and behaviour on BC roads, where roadside assistance technicians, tow truck operators, first responders, road maintenance crews and other workers depend on drivers passing by to give them space to work safely.

"The good news is that most drivers know the Slow Down, Move Over law," says Daniel Quigley, Senior Manager, Road Assist Fleet at BCAA. "What we need is for more people to put it into practice. When you see flashing red, blue or yellow lights ahead, slowing down and moving over when it's safe to do so helps create a safer environment for roadside workers, emergency responders and the people they're assisting."

A recent survey by Road Safety at Work also revealed confusion about which vehicles are included in the law. While nearly all drivers (98%) correctly identified that the law applies to emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and fire trucks with red and blue lights, only 30% knew the same rules apply to vehicles with flashing yellow lights, including tow trucks, roadside assistance vehicles and other roadside workers.

"Whether someone's responding to an emergency, helping a stranded driver or working on the roadside, everyone deserves a safe place to do their job," adds Quigley. "The Slow Down, Move Over law applies to any vehicle displaying flashing red, blue or yellow lights. Remembering to slow down and move over when you see those lights on the roadside is a simple way to help keep roadside workers and drivers safe."

To boost awareness, BCAA partnered with the RCMP for an education event in Burnaby on October 15, where officers handed out warning letters to drivers who failed to comply with the Slow Down, Move Over law when passing a mock roadside rescue and cone zone. During the two-hour event, the RCMP handed out 28 warning letters to drivers who did not slow down and move over when necessary.

In British Columbia, drivers must reduce their speed when approaching any roadside vehicle displaying flashing yellow, red or blue lights. On multi-lane roads, drivers must also move into the next lane when it is safe to do so.

BCAA reminds drivers to:

• Slow down safely. If there are cones marking the area, pay attention to them and watch for roadside workers or sudden traffic changes.
• If it's safe to do so, move over into a lane of traffic away from the vehicles on the roadside.
• Keep your speed slow while passing the scene
  • If the posted speed limit is greater than 80 km/h, slow to 70 km/h.
  • If the posted speed is less than 80 km/h, slow to 40 km/h.
• Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Stay alert. Never use a cell phone or text while driving.

Visit bcaa.com for more tips on road safety. For details on the Slow Down, Move Over law, visit the Government of BC's website.

About the survey
These findings are from a survey conducted by BCAA from September 25 to September 29, 2026, among a representative sample of 800 online adult British Columbians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-3.46 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About BCAA 
Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) is a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp) and provides over 1 in 3 BC households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share, BCAA Auto Marketplace, Task Marketplace and Auto Service. BCAA invests in programs and initiatives to make a positive impact by protecting the people and province of BC, recognizing that the place we call home is all of ours to protect. BCAA holds itself accountable to its purpose by setting goals related to its impact on People, the Planet and Prosperity, and sharing results in its annual Impact Report.

SOURCE British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA)

For further information or to set up an interview, please contact: Stephanie Thatcher, BCAA / Evo / Evolve, 604-992-0253, [email protected]; Keiko Jacobs, BCAA / Evo / Evolve, 604-290-6082, [email protected]