A towing truck company in Medicine Hat is pleased to learn about new updates to the Traffic Safety Act in Alberta, August 10, 2023. (Photo: Ross Lavigne)

By Omran Wahidy

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

Aug 10, 2023 | 5:13 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Newly announced updates to the Traffic Safety Act are being received positively by some in the industries it impacts.

Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen made the announcement on Tuesday, August 9, 2023.

He said new provisions will include protections for all roadside worker vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road. Drivers in the 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 September 1, 2023.

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

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“It’s a complete game-changer,” said Kohls. “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 said 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,” added Kohls.

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

“Up until now, snow plow operators and roadside maintenance crews didn’t have that similar protection [as first responders]. 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,” said Wright.

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

Wright said, “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.”

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,” explained Kohls.

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.

READ MORE: Alberta government updating rules to protect roadside workers

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