Speed Limits When Passing Emergency Vehicles
Year: 2022
Resolution
Whereas the scene of an emergency can contain multiple vehicles and first responders on and along the highway, which can create a disordered and chaotic environment; and
Whereas, on average in Saskatchewan, there are 57 vehicle crashes annually involving an emergency vehicle, resulting in approximately 19 injuries; and
Whereas failing to reduce speeds puts emergency workers and other motorists at risk of serious injury or even death; and
Whereas SGI research and data states that in most cases, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 40 km/h or less survives, but will die if hit by a vehicle travelling at 60 km/h or more;
Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the provincial Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to further reduce the speed limit when passing emergency vehicles to 40 km/hr in order to ensure that drivers, passengers, and crew members can do their jobs safely.
ACTS AFFECTED: The Traffic Safety Act
REGION/SECTOR AFFECTED: All
