Highway signs noting the new rules have been installed this summer. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Omran Wahidy

Updated Traffic Safety Act a ‘game-changer,’ says tow truck company

Aug 9, 2023 | 4:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Government of Alberta announced an update to the Traffic Safety Act on Tuesday, adding more safety measures for roadside workers.

Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen revealed updates that now include protection for all roadside worker vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road. Drivers in lanes closest to roadside worker vehicles will be required to slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit if slower or move to the far lane if safe to do so.

The updates are slated to take effect on Sept. 1.

Kraig Kohls, president of Auto Spa Towing, says the update is a big step in the right direction.

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“It’s a complete game-changer, I mean the biggest thing that we practice is safety out there and trying to protect our customers, trying to protect ourselves and our operators. And you know anything that the government can do to help facilitate that type of success is going to be good for everybody.”

Having worked in the field for the past 28 years, Kohls says there has been no shortage of dangerous encounters on the roads.

“There’s been guys that have been hit, physically hit with vehicles, just nobody pulling even over. Whether it be day or night.”

Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright says the changes will help to cover more ground.

“Up until now snow plow operators and roadside maintenance crews didn’t have that similar protection. So this was all about making sure that we’re really covering all folks that are operating on the roadways, with the same umbrella of protection.”

The added measures can ensure that roadside workers will feel more comfortable and protected when out in the field.

“I truly believe that this is going to give just that next layer of safety, and especially the safety of mindset knowing that it is one step closer to getting home safe every night,” says Wright.

For Kohls, he hopes this change will allow people to become more conscious of their surroundings on the road.

“Be aware of what’s going on a kilometre up the road or two kilometres up the road. If you can see flashing lights, you know it’s not 20 feet in front of your dash that’s important, it’s the things that are going on way in front of you, so just be aware of your surroundings.”

To help enforce the changes, $243 fines and demerit points against their license will be given out to those with unsafe behaviours when passing roadside workers.