Let’s Go Together

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, Julia Kent is joined by Sergeant Corey Ford, a collision reconstructionist and program manager with the RCMP’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services team in Nova Scotia. Together, they discuss why slowing down and moving over is essential to protecting the people who work on the roadside.

Sgt. Ford explains how collision reconstruction goes beyond examining vehicles: investigators also consider road design, weather, visibility, mechanical conditions, safety devices, and evidence such as tire marks and dashcam footage. He shares why the roadside is a workplace—and why police, fire, ambulance, tow truck operators, and anyone stopped on the side of the road need room to stay safe.

The conversation also explores why drivers may fail to slow down or move over, the challenges of enforcing the law, and how clearer messages, public education, and enforcement can help change behaviour. Sgt. Ford shares observations about roadside lights and variable message signs, and offers a simple reminder for every driver: stay alert and pay attention to what’s happening around you.

We cover roadside safety and collision investigations, including:  
  • What Collision Reconstructionists Do: How investigators piece together the causes of serious and fatal collisions  
  • The Roadside as a Workplace: Why emergency responders and tow operators need space to work  
  • Slow Down and Move Over: The importance of knowing the law and giving stopped vehicles room  
  • Tow Truck Safety: Why tow trucks deserve respect, even when police aren’t on scene  
  • Lights and Roadside Messaging: Sgt. Ford’s observations on lights, signs, and driver behaviour  
  • Inattention and Speed: Common driving risks and the importance of being aware of your surroundings  
  • Changing Driver Behaviour: The role of education, enforcement, and setting a good example  

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome to Let’s Go Together
02:04 – Introducing Sgt. Corey Ford
03:39 – When construction zones and road conditions complicate investigations 
04:25 – What collision reconstructionists look for at a crash scene 
06:01 – Speed, weather, seatbelts
08:01 – The slow down and move over law
09:54 – “This is my workspace”
11:00 – Why responders can’t always choose where they stop 
13:03 – Safety measures and risks roadside workers face
14:45 – How different lights may affect driver attention 
16:15 – Sgt. Ford’s experience with amber lights and red-and-blue strobes 
18:07 – Making safe roadside behaviour the norm 
19:31 – Why drivers should use caution around anyone stopped on the roadside 
20:29 – Inattention and the importance of scanning the road ahead 
21:39 – CAA Atlantic supports safer journeys 
22:18 – Are drivers getting better at slowing down and moving over? 
23:22 – Why enforcement can be challenging—and how police protect themselves 
24:21 – Being the example for drivers behind you 
25:07 – Variable message signs and a study on driver compliance 
26:24 – The cost of roadside safety measures—and the value of protecting lives 
28:41 – Education, enforcement, and roadside safety campaigns 
30:15 – Remembering RCMP collision analyst Frank Duchene 
30:38 – Creating messages that help change driver behaviour 
32:31 – Sgt. Ford’s reminder: pay attention to everything around you 
32:49 – Rapid-fire Questions
36:30 – What the slow down and move over law means to Sgt. Ford 
37:11 – Closing thoughts

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What is Let’s Go Together?

From road trips to roadside assistance, The Let’s Go Together Podcast is your destination for the stories, advice, and expert insights Atlantic Canadians care about most. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just want to stay informed, we’re here for the ride.