“For tow operators and first responders, the roadside is their workplace,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president of government and community relations at CAA South Central Ontario. “When drivers see flashing lights, we need them to recognize that there is a trained professional helping someone at the roadside. Slowing down and moving over gives those workers the space they need to do their jobs more safely.”

While most Ontario drivers are familiar with the law, that awareness does not always translate into consistent action on the road.

“Every day, the men and women who respond to emergencies, assist stranded drivers and maintain our highways put themselves at risk to keep others safe,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That’s why, beginning January 1, 2027, we’re expanding Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law to protect more roadside workers on the job because something as simple as slowing down and moving over can save lives and help ensure those who keep our roads safe make it home to their families.”

Toronto Police Service says those protections are critical for officers and other roadside workers who routinely work alongside moving traffic.

“Many police officers have found themselves in situations where they are stopped on the side of the road doing their job, only to have vehicles pass dangerously close by,” says Robert Johnson, Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service. “When first responders or tow truck drivers have their lights flashing, drivers are legally required to slow down safely below the speed limit and leave space for emergency vehicles.”

As part of its continuing road safety work, CAA is piloting Variable Message Signs (VMS) technology on tow trucks across Ontario to determine whether enhanced visibility and directional messaging can help motorists recognize roadside incidents sooner and respond safely.

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found drivers were 95 per cent more likely to change lanes when a VMS was active. CAA’s pilot will assess whether the technology can help motorists identify a roadside response earlier and encourage them to slow down and move over.

“Drivers are processing a lot of information when they approach a roadside incident,” said Di Felice. “A clear, visible message may help them understand what is happening sooner and give them more time to slow down, check surrounding traffic and move over safely.”

Putting drivers in the worker’s shoes

Technology is one part of the solution. CAA is also using public education to help drivers understand the people Ontario’s SDMO law is intended to protect.

CAA’s SDMO public service announcement puts motorists in the shoes of the people who assist stranded drivers every day. Rather than focusing only on the rules of the road, it highlights the individuals behind the flashing lights and the risks they face while working just feet from live traffic. Watch the PSA here.

Ontario expanding slow down move over law to protect more workers

Starting January 1, 2027, drivers must also slow down and move over for certain work vehicles stopped at roadside with flashing amber lights activated.

Work vehicles under the expanded law include highway maintenance vehicles, public utility vehicles (such as electricity, water, natural gas, telecommunications), waste collection vehicles (such as garbage, recycling or organic waste trucks) and roadside assistance vehicles (like CAA or other providers).

CN Tower to shine for roadside safety

On Saturday, October 17, the CN Tower will be illuminated in yellow and black to mark National Slow Down, Move Over Day, commemorated by all the CAA clubs across the country, and in honour of the tow operators, emergency responders and other roadside workers who assist motorists every day. A standard light show will run for 5 minutes at the top of every hour, followed by another light show on the half hour.

To learn more about SDMO laws, please visit: www.caasco.com/SDMO

The post CAA And Road Safety Partners Urge Drivers To Slow Down And Move Over appeared first on Muskoka411.

Throughout the long weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) focused on behaviours that continue to contribute to serious and fatal collisions, including impaired driving, inattentive driving, speeding and improper use of or failure to wear seatbelts.

Between October 9 and October 12, the OPP laid over 9,800 traffic-related charges including:

• 4,924 speeding
• 506 seatbelt
• 174 impaired driving
• 108 distracted driving

This weekend’s traffic safety initiative was part of Operation Impact, an annual national campaign led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to help improve road safety across Canada.

The OPP thanks everyone who acted responsibly and helped contribute to safer roads during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The OPP encourages all motorists to keep making safety a priority every time they get behind a wheel.

The post Between Oct. 9 And Oct. 12, OPP Laid Over 9,800 Traffic-Related Charges Including appeared first on Muskoka411.

Ontario’s Move Over law is designed to protect police officers, firefighters, paramedics and tow truck operators who work on the roadside, often just metres from passing traffic. Drivers approaching an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder with its emergency lights activated must slow down and proceed with caution. On multi-lane highways, motorists must also move into another lane, if it can be done safely, leaving at least one lane between their vehicle and the stopped emergency vehicle.

Failure to comply with the law can result in a fine ranging from $490 to $2,000 and three demerit points upon conviction. Subsequent convictions carry fines of $1,000 to $4,000, possible jail time of up to six months, and a driver’s licence suspension of up to two years.

While Ontario’s Move Over law has been in place since 2003, OPP officers continue to encounter drivers who fail to slow down or change lanes when approaching emergency scenes.

The importance of the law is underscored by the tragic loss of five OPP officers who were struck and killed while performing their duties on Ontario roadsides since 1989:

• Constable John Gregovski was killed on January 4, 1989, after a tractor-trailer struck his cruiser while he was assisting a disabled motorist on the Queen Elizabeth Way.
• Senior Constable Michael Gula was killed on April 2, 1996, after being struck by a vehicle while assisting another officer during a traffic stop on the Queen Elizabeth Way.
• Constable Charles Mercier was killed on September 30, 1999, when a cube van collided with his marked cruiser while he was directing traffic near a construction zone.
• Senior Constable James McFadden was killed on December 31, 1999, when his cruiser was struck from behind during a roadside traffic stop.
• Sergeant Marg Eve died on June 9, 2000, from injuries sustained when a transport truck crashed into multiple police cruisers, a suspect vehicle and officers standing on the shoulder of Highway 401.

These officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the public. Their deaths are a powerful reminder of the dangers first responders face every time they stop on the roadside.

Throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend, OPP officers will be patrolling across Ontario to help prevent high-risk behaviours and enforce road safety. The will also be out on trails and waterways, targeting unsafe behaviour and promoting safety. Don’t let your decisions lead to death or injury on our roads, trails or waterways. Always drive sober, pay attention, slow down and remember to wear your seatbelt, helmet and lifejacket.

Make safety a priority so that arriving safe is one more thing to be thankful for this holiday weekend.

Quick Facts 

• Ontario’s Move Over law has been in effect since 2003.
• Drivers must slow down and proceed with caution when passing emergency vehicles stopped with their emergency lights activated.
• Drivers on multi-lane highways must change lanes when it is safe to do so and leave one lane between their vehicle and the emergency vehicle.
• Fines for a first conviction range from $490 to $2,000, plus three demerit points.
• Since 1989, five OPP officers have been killed on the roadside after being struck by vehicles while performing their duties.
• The OPP remains committed to saving lives on Ontario roads, waterways and trails.

The post OPP Reminds Drivers To Move Over And Help Keep First Responders Safe This Thanksgiving Weekend  appeared first on Muskoka411.

As families and friends prepare to gather for Thanksgiving celebrations, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding everyone to make safe choices as they travel to and from their destination this long weekend.

The OPP is joining police services across Canada for Operation Impact, an annual national traffic safety initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. The campaign supports Canada’s Road Safety Strategy and focuses on high-risk driving behaviours that contribute to serious collisions. It aims to create safer streets and highways across Canada.

Over the last 10 years in Ontario, Thanksgiving weekends have had the second highest number of fatalities among all long weekends. Last year alone, 13 people lost their lives in roadway collisions in OPP jurisdictions. Alcohol and drug use remain the leading factors in fatalities over the last decade, while failing to wear safety equipment, such as seatbelts, helmets and lifejackets, continues to be a significant contributor.

In support of Operation Impact, OPP officers will be patrolling across Ontario to help prevent high-risk behaviours and enforce road safety. The focus will be on education and enforcement of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs and fatigue, aggressive driving, distracted driving and the use of seatbelts and child car seats.

As seen throughout the year, OPP officers will also be out on trails and waterways, targeting unsafe behaviour and promoting safety.

Don’t let your decisions lead to death or injury on our roads, trails or waterways. Always drive sober, pay attention, slow down and remember to wear your seatbelt, helmet and lifejacket.

Make safety a priority so that arriving safe is one more thing to be thankful for this holiday weekend.

The post Make Safety A Priority So That Arriving Safe Is One More Thing To Be Thankful For This Holiday Weekend: OPP appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Ontario government has awarded a detail design contract to advance the widening of Highway 400 from six to 10 lanes between Highway 9 and the future Bradford Bypass (Highway 425). The project marks another milestone in the province’s plan to reduce gridlock, improve road safety and keep people and goods moving across the Greater Toronto Area.

The post Ontario Advancing Highway 400 Widening In King Township appeared first on Muskoka411.

With the return of students comes an increase in pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic in and around school zones. Children may be excited to return to school and may not always be aware of their surroundings. Motorists are asked to remain alert, slow down and watch carefully for children walking and cycling to and from school.

Motorists are also reminded that a stopped school bus with its red overhead flashing lights activated and stop arm extended requires all approaching drivers to stop.

Safety Reminders for Motorists:

·      Focus your full attention on driving and put away unnecessary distractions.

·      Slow down in school zones and obey all posted speed limits.

·      Watch carefully for children walking or cycling near roadways, intersections and school entrances.

·      Be prepared for children to cross the road unexpectedly.

·      Allow extra time when travelling through school zones, particularly before and after school.

·      Watch for increased vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

·      Respect crossing guards and follow their directions at all times.

·      Stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

·      Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus while its red lights are activated.

·      The fine for failing to stop for a school bus when required is a minimum of $490 and six demerit points upon conviction.

Increased Police Presence:

As students return to the classroom, Dufferin OPP will be out in full force before and after school hours to help ensure our children get to and from school safely.

Officers will be conducting enhanced patrols in and around school zones, monitoring traffic and enforcing the rules of the road. Motorists can expect an increased police presence throughout Dufferin County and are reminded that getting to their destination safely is more important than getting there quickly.

Drivers found failing to stop for a school bus when required may be served a Provincial Offences Notice for Failing to Stop for a School Bus.

Our children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. Slow down, stay alert, respect our crossing guards, and give children the time and space they need to safely travel to and from school.

Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety and delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value the public’s contribution to building safe communities.

The post OPP Reminds Motorists To Be Vigilant As Students Return To School appeared first on Muskoka411.

New CAA research shows that school zone congestion remains a significant concern for Ontario parents. Eight in 10 parents report congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times, while 84 per cent say they have witnessed at least one dangerous driving behaviour in their child’s school zone. The most observed behaviours include speeding, double-parking, stopping in undesignated areas, and blocking school bus drop-off zones.

“Back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also be hectic,” says Tracy Marshall, manager, community relations at CAA SCO. “The good news is that small changes to our daily routines can make a meaningful difference. By planning ahead, following school drop-off procedures and staying alert, we can all help make school zones safer for children, parents and school staff.”

Ontario parents raise concerns about school zone safety as risky drop-off and pick-up habits persist

According to the survey, 63 per cent of Ontario parents reported that their child’s school zone was not very safe. Three of the four most frequently observed unsafe behaviours are directly related to school drop-off and pick-up activity, highlighting the need for safer habits during busy school travel periods.

CAA is encouraging families to set a few ‘school year resolutions’ to create safer school zones as children go back to school:

• Give yourself a few extra minutes: We know mornings don’t always go according to plan. When possible, build in a little extra time for the school run. A less rushed arrival can help reduce behaviours such as double parking, stopping in undesignated areas, or dropping children off in unsafe locations.
• Follow your school’s drop-off routine: Every school has procedures designed to move students safely and efficiently. Following designated pick-up and drop-off practices, even when the line is long, helps improve traffic flow and creates a safer experience for children, families, and school staff.
• Consider a “park and walk”: If it’s practical for your family, parking a short distance from the school and walking the last block can help ease congestion near entrances while giving children an opportunity to build road safety awareness.
• Help reduce traffic with active school travel: If possible, incorporate active school travel into your family’s routine, even one or two days per week. Encouraging your kids to walk or wheel to school helps to ease traffic congestion, among other benefits.
• Reinforce road safety rules: Proactively chat with children about how to safely walk, bike or scooter based on their age and neighbourhood. Simple reminders like looking “left, right, left” before crossing, paying attention to adult crossing guards and staying alert around driveways and parking lots can make a big difference.

CAA SCO is also asking all motorists to remember that when you’re in a school zone, children are nearby. Drivers can support school zone safety with a few simple actions:

• Stay alert: Put away distractions and focus on the road. Children can appear unexpectedly between parked vehicles, near crossings or around school buses.
• Slow down: Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. School zones require extra attention, particularly during arrival and dismissal periods.
• Watch for school buses and crossing guards: Always obey school bus signals and be aware of adult crossing guards, safety patrollers and students crossing the road. Not only is it illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, it is also incredibly dangerous.

For more school zone safety information and tips, visit caasco.com/schoolzone.

The post New School Year, New Safe Habits: CAA Encourages Families To Make A School Year Resolution For Safer School Zones appeared first on Muskoka411.

One of the most important responsibilities drivers share is ensuring the safety of children boarding and exiting school buses. When approaching a school bus displaying flashing amber lights, motorists should be prepared to stop. Amber lights indicate the bus is preparing to load or unload passengers and will soon activate its red overhead warning lights.

Once a school bus has stopped and its red overhead warning lights are flashing, drivers must stop, as required by law, and remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn. On roads without a physical median, traffic travelling in both directions must stop. On roads separated by a physical median, only vehicles travelling behind the bus are required to stop.

Pedestrians also play an important role in road safety. Students and parents are encouraged to use designated crosswalks and intersections whenever possible. Before crossing the road, look left, right, and left again, make eye contact with drivers, and ensure vehicles have stopped before stepping into the roadway. Where crossing guards are present, always follow their instructions.

Whether travelling by vehicle, bicycle, school bus, or on foot, everyone has a responsibility to help keep children safe.

Back-to-School Safety Tips: Facebook | Instagram | X

•  Slow down and obey posted speed limits, especially in school and community safety zones.
• Eliminate distractions and focus on the road at all times.
• Watch for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
• Be prepared for increased traffic during school arrival and dismissal times.
• Never pass a stopped school bus displaying red overhead warning lights.
• Use designated crosswalks and intersections when crossing the road.
• Follow the directions of crossing guards and school safety personnel.

The OPP is committed to keeping Ontario roads safe and is asking all road users to do their part as students return to school. A few extra seconds of patience and attention can help prevent a tragedy and ensure every child arrives safely at school and returns home at the end of the day.

The post OPP Remind Motorists That School Buses Are Returning To Area Roads Soon appeared first on Muskoka411.

More than 1,100 turtle eggs from four different turtle species were safely collected and protected during recent road work along Twelve Mile Bay Road.

The work was part of a partnership between Moose Deer Point First Nation, Generations Effect and the District Municipality of Muskoka. Generations Effect is a social enterprise of Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere.

Protecting Turtle Nests and Eggs at Risk During Construction

Summer is a busy season for road construction, but it is also an important time for turtles.

Turtle nesting season takes place each June, when females often travel across roads and into roadside areas to lay their eggs.

Twelve Mile Bay Road runs through more than 18 kilometres of wildlife habitat and passes many wetlands. This makes the area an ideal home for turtles, reptiles and other wildlife.

Before and during construction, teams from Generations Effect and the Moose Deer Point First Nation Lands Department carefully checked work areas for turtles and nesting activity.

Their work included:

• Moving turtles and other animals away from active construction areas
• Collecting turtle eggs that were at risk from construction
• Checking ditches and areas before excavation began for at risk wildlife
• Protecting and relocating milkweed and monarch butterflies
• Relocating culturally important plants, including sweetgrass and cedar

Over four weeks, environmental teams worked alongside construction crews to protect turtles, plants and other species during resurfacing work.

Plans to Care and Release Rescued Eggs

The collected eggs were carefully moved from areas where they could have been damaged by construction equipment.  They were then taken to the Generations Effect incubation facility.

After hatching, the young turtles are being released back into wetlands near where their eggs were found along Twelve Mile Bay Road.

Returning the turtles to their home wetlands helps them continue their life cycle in the habitat where they belong.

Working Together to Protect What Matters

This partnership shows how infrastructure work and environmental protection can work together.

Protecting turtles and other species at risk required close coordination between environmental teams and crews working on the road.

Construction crews helped by sharing observations, communicating with the environmental teams and allowing time for animals and plants to be safely moved when needed.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping to make these road improvements safer for some of Muskoka’s smallest travellers.

The post More Than 1,100 Turtle Eggs Protected During Twelve Mile Bay Road Improvements appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka, ON — District Council has approved speed limit changes on three sections of District roads in Bracebridge following an area-wide review of road conditions, traffic speeds, surrounding land uses and safety. 

The changes were approved on August 20, 2026, and will take effect once new speed limit signs are installed. 

The following speed limit changes were approved: 

• Muskoka Road 20 (Doe Lake Road): The speed limit will increase from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Uffington Road and Housey’s Rapids Road. 
• Muskoka Road 37 (Manitoba Street): The speed limit will decrease from 50 km/h to 40 km/h between Monck Road and Ecclestone Drive. 
• Muskoka Road 42 (Taylor Road): The speed limit will decrease from 50 km/h to 30 km/h between Front Street and Manitoba Street. 

All other speed limits reviewed on District roads in Bracebridge remain unchanged. 

“Speed limits should reflect the road, its surroundings and how people use it,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “A consistent, evidence-based approach helps drivers, pedestrians and cyclists know what to expect and supports safer travel across Muskoka.” 

A Consistent Approach to Reviewing Speed Limits 

The District manages about 730 kilometres of roads across Muskoka. As communities and traffic patterns change, speed limits need to be reviewed to make sure they remain appropriate. 

The District updated its Speed Limit Policy in 2025 to introduce a regular review process.  All District roads are reviewed over a six-year period, one area municipality at a time. 

In the past, speed limits were often reviewed after a complaint, a municipal request, or a collision. The updated policy ensures that every District road is reviewed regularly, with a consistent approach. 

During each review, staff consider: 

• road design and surrounding conditions; 
• traffic speeds and volumes; 
• nearby homes, businesses and other land uses; 
• collision and safety history; and 
• pedestrian and cycling activity. 

Staff use recognized Canadian transportation engineering guidance, along with local road conditions and safety data, to determine whether a speed limit should increase, decrease or remain the same. 

What Drivers Can Expect 

New speed limit signs will be installed along the three affected sections. The new limits will take effect once the signs are posted.  Drivers should watch for changing speed limits and follow the posted signs. 

The District will continue reviewing speed limits across Muskoka. District roads in the Township of Georgian Bay are currently under review, with recommendations expected to come to Committee in 2027. 

Learn more about how speed limits are reviewed on the District of Muskoka Roads and Bridges webpage. 

The post District Council Approves Speed Limit Changes On Three Bracebridge Roads appeared first on Muskoka411.