Stop for hitchers - risk a $100 fine
By Rebecca Edwards Free Press Staff
Drivers who stop at the hitching spot in Fernie are breaking the law and could be criminally liable if their stopped vehicle caused a crash, police and politicians have warned. Stopping on highways to pick up people is illegal under provincial highways safety laws and carries a penalty of over $100. The RDEK and RCMP are now considering installing new signage and alternative hitching spots ahead of next year’s ski season in order to stop drivers stopping in a dangerous place.RDEK Area A director Mike Sosnowski represents West Fernie starting at the bridge and has had several complaints from residents who are worried that stopped cars block their visibility at nearby intersections. “I know it is a traditional place and part of the winter culture, nobody wants to spoil that,” Sosnowski said.“The ideal thing would be to find a place off the highway where they could wait, but hitchhiking is an opportunist thing – would drivers take the effort to turn off the highway to pick someone up?“I don’t know the solution yet, all I know is it is an accident waiting to happen.” Director Sosnowski has asked the Elk Valley RCMP detachment to police the area and ticket drivers who stop illegally. Sgt Dave Dubnyk said random spot checks have been made in recent months but wants to see wider education about the laws in place at the highway. “I don’t think people realize it is a no-stopping zone. If we see drivers stopping we will go to talk to them, but there is no sense swarming in and handing out fines without educating people first.“Drivers are trying to do the right thing by picking hitchhikers up and if a safe place could be created for them to stop where there are no views obstructed or no traffic concerns everyone would be happier. “Potentially there could be some civil and criminal implications if a driver stopped and there was an accident as a result, because they are breaking the law.”
To me this is just another argument that RCR needs to provide some staff housing. Half those buggers hitching are counting on that to get them to work on time.
Hmm interesting. I think the city of Fernie and cheap assed RCR should combine funding to provide a pullover spot where cars passing by can easily see hitchhikers as well as have a spot to park and pick them up. Ideally this would be in the center of town. They should both also put funding into a free shuttle service.
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