rtsen
10-31-2005, 04:57 PM
Got a news release in my email about a new law that in effect today. Basically you need to slow down to 60 km/hour or less if you're passing an emergency vehicle or tow truck. If you get caught, the fines are double.
October28, 2005
New law makes Alberta roads safer for emergency and construction workers
Edmonton... A new law requiring drivers to slow down when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks comes into effect October 31.
The new law, which doubles the fines for speeders, will make roads safer for police officers, firefighters, ambulance workers, tow truck operators and construction workers, as well as motorists.
"Every year, emergency and construction workers are injured and sometimes killed on Alberta’s roads and highways – and for every one of those incidents, there are probably at least as many near-misses," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "This new law will protect these people who put themselves in harm’s way for our benefit."
Under the new law, motorists must slow down to 60 kilometres per hour, or less if the posted speed limit is lower, when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with their lights flashing. In construction zones, motorists must observe the posted speed limit. Fines for speeding past emergency vehicles and through construction sites where workers are present will be doubled.
“We expect that this new law and stiff fines will deter people from speeding in these areas,” said Richard Magnus, MLA for Calgary-North Hill, who sponsored the new law. “This is all about slowing down for the safety of all workers. These people are trying to save other people’s lives while looking out for their own safety. We should be looking out for their safety as well."
An advertising campaign is currently running across Alberta to raise awareness of the new law.
The new law is part of Bill 39, the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2005, which was passed during the Legislature's 2005 spring session. Other amendments include changes to laws concerning driving without insurance, seizure of vehicles involved in racing, use of evidence from a vehicle’s “black box” in legal proceedings, and reporting of unsafe drivers. Bill 39 may be viewed at www.assembly.ab.ca.
October28, 2005
New law makes Alberta roads safer for emergency and construction workers
Edmonton... A new law requiring drivers to slow down when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks comes into effect October 31.
The new law, which doubles the fines for speeders, will make roads safer for police officers, firefighters, ambulance workers, tow truck operators and construction workers, as well as motorists.
"Every year, emergency and construction workers are injured and sometimes killed on Alberta’s roads and highways – and for every one of those incidents, there are probably at least as many near-misses," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "This new law will protect these people who put themselves in harm’s way for our benefit."
Under the new law, motorists must slow down to 60 kilometres per hour, or less if the posted speed limit is lower, when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with their lights flashing. In construction zones, motorists must observe the posted speed limit. Fines for speeding past emergency vehicles and through construction sites where workers are present will be doubled.
“We expect that this new law and stiff fines will deter people from speeding in these areas,” said Richard Magnus, MLA for Calgary-North Hill, who sponsored the new law. “This is all about slowing down for the safety of all workers. These people are trying to save other people’s lives while looking out for their own safety. We should be looking out for their safety as well."
An advertising campaign is currently running across Alberta to raise awareness of the new law.
The new law is part of Bill 39, the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2005, which was passed during the Legislature's 2005 spring session. Other amendments include changes to laws concerning driving without insurance, seizure of vehicles involved in racing, use of evidence from a vehicle’s “black box” in legal proceedings, and reporting of unsafe drivers. Bill 39 may be viewed at www.assembly.ab.ca.