Image from Government of Alberta

By Chris Brown

Lights and signage

Increasing safety for snowplow, tow truck operators

Nov 27, 2020 | 10:26 AM

Snowplow operators will able to use flashing white strobe lights this winter to increase their visibility to other motorists on highways in Alberta.

New signage will also be installed along highways in the province that will remind people to drive to the conditions and be cautious near roadside workers.

“Snowplow and tow truck drivers are essential workers who face significant risks as they keep our highways clear and safe for travel,” said Ric McIver, transportation minister, in a statement. “As drivers and fellow Albertans, we owe it to them to drive responsibly so that each of us can get home safely.”

A social media campaign will educate Albertans about the need to drive safely this winter, including when driving by snowplow operators and tow trucks.

The provincial government says it will also be consulting with Albertans throughout the winter to gauge their awareness of worker safety and identify further steps that should be taken to protect roadside workers, including the expanded use of lights. Any decision would be made based on evidence that usage improves safety.

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Quick Facts

• Every winter, there are dozens of collisions and near misses involving snowplows on Alberta highways. In 2019-20, there were 31 collisions with snowplows operated by government highway maintenance contractors.
• The 511 Alberta app and website now has the capability to alert drivers with an audible ping when they approach a snowplow on Alberta highways.
• The Traffic Safety Act provides protection for first responders by mandating all motorists in the adjacent lane slow down to 60 km/h (or the posted speed limit, whichever is slower) when passing an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
• Speeding fines also double in construction zones where workers are present.