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WINNIPEG – Do you know what to do when passing a tow truck or emergency vehicle on the side of a road? It seems many drivers don’t.

In September Manitoba changed the law so a fine of $299.65 plus two demerits can be given to anyone who doesn’t change lanes and slow down when passing a tow truck or emergency vehicle with flashing lights on.

Drivers have to slow to 40 kilometres per hour on highways with posted maximum speed limits below 80 km/hr or 60 km/hr on highways with speed limits 80 km/hr or greater.

Sgt. Larry Dalman, of the Headingley RCMP Traffic Services detachment, said many drivers don’t know about the law or they are just ignoring it.

A recent study of driving habits along the Perimeter Highway found 95 per cent of drivers moved over but didn’t slow down, he said.

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“Less than three percent of drivers slow down to 60 km/h or less,” Dalman said, adding 14 per cent of vehicles went 100 km/h or faster.

During a 20-minute interview with Global News on the side of the Perimeter Highway, Dalman observed only four vehicles following the law. More than 60 vehicles passed by.

The RCMP will do targeted enforcement of the law and will also look at dash camera footage to track down drivers breaking the law, he said.

John Tennent, owner of Crane Towing, said he has had several close calls while working.

John Tennent of Crane Towing in Winnipeg works beside the Perimeter Highway on Tuesday. Tamara Forlanski

“It will take someone dying before people get the message,” he said.

Tennent fears winter will only make the working conditions more dangerous for tow-truck operators.

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He has resorted to towing vehicles to a safe location to change a tire because doing so on the side of the highway was too dangerous.

The law applies to everywhere in Manitoba.