Tens of thousands of British Columbians work alongside our roadways: First responders, tow truck operators, landscapers, flag people, road-maintenance crews and more. Those who work at the side of the road rely on all of us to follow the important law of “Slow Down, Move Over”.

Simply put: When you see orange cones, or any vehicle stopped alongside the road that has flashing red, blue or amber lights, please slow down, move over and drive with care so roadside workers have enough room to do their jobs.

Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe.

1. Plan ahead. Use online resources like Google Maps, DriveBC or follow local governments or cities on Twitter to get the latest travel times, roadwork information, delays or road conditions. If possible, adjust your route to avoid active work zones. 

2. Pay attention to temporary road signs, traffic cones and directions given by a traffic control person – not only is this important to keep everyone safe, it’s the law.

3. Know how to drive safely through cone zones and around emergency responder work areas:

• Slow down safely. Cars behind you will take your cue and slow down, too. Pay attention to the placement of the cones and watch for roadside workers or sudden traffic changes.
• Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Never use a cell phone or text while driving.
• Keep your speed slow through the cone zone. If the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or more, slow to 70 km/h. If the posted speed is less than 80 km/h, slow to 40 km/h.
• Move over to give workers as much room as possible. If on a multi-lane road, move into the next lane if it’s safe to do so.

4. Lastly, understand BC’s Slow Down, Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over when passing stopped vehicles with flashing lights, helping keep roadside workers and emergency personnel safe.