Edmonton, Alberta — Based on positive feedback from Alberta’s towing industry, the province announced Monday that it will be extending its trial to allow snowplows, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles to use flashing blue lights on Alberta highways.
For the next five years, highway workers in Alberta will be permitted to use flashing blue and amber lights on their vehicles while attending to roadside calls.
This announcement from Alberta’s government comes alongside updates to the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, which come into effect Sept. 1, 2023, requiring drivers to slow down and move over when passing highway workers.
“The original pilot projects were brought to increase visibility and improve safety of those working on our highways,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen.
“We are extending these projects to make sure these important safety measures remain in place so those who work on our highways can go home safely to their families at the end of their shifts.”
Towers in Alberta have long been calling for the province to follow the lead of Saskatchewan, where legislation regarding blue lights on roadside service vehicles has been in effect since 2017.
There have been 17 serious roadside incidents and at least 39 near misses involving Alberta tow trucks and passing vehicles since December 2019, according to the province.
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