Traffic safety campaign to take place along Deerfoot Trail

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Emergency services vehicles, including police cruisers and tow trucks, will be parked in the shoulder lanes of Deerfoot Trail on Thursday evening as part of an annual traffic safety campaign.

The event, which takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. near the offramps to Glenmore Trail, is expected to remind motorists about how to pass emergency vehicles safely.

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According to traffic laws, drivers are required to slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower, in the adjacent lane while passing emergency vehicles that are stopped and have activated their lights.

Those vehicles include tow trucks, road service vehicles and snowplows.

Police say the fines for speeding while passing a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing are doubled and can range from $136 to $991, depending on speed.

Officials say all motorists caught travelling at more than 50 km/h above the posted speed limit must attend a court hearing.

Calgary police say the traffic safety event was created in memory of Courtney Schaefer, a tow truck driver who was struck and killed by a passing driver while working near Esterhazy, Sask., on March 7, 2017.

“Everyone deserves to make it home safely every day, including those working on our roadways, whether it’s an emergency response or roadside service,” said CPS traffic section Sgt. Brad Norman.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are reminding motorists that it is your duty to ensure the safety of those around you while on the road.

“Slow down, move over, and give emergency and roadside workers room to do their jobs safely.”