Safer Alberta Roads or Else

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EDMONTON- A new law requiring drivers to slow down when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks came 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.
Emergency Vehicles and Construction Zones

Highlights:
* Motorists must slow to 60 kilometres per hour, or less if the posted speed is lower, when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with their lights flashing. Fines for speeding in these areas will be double the regular amount.
* Emergency vehicles include fire, police, ambulance, tow trucks, and a vehicle used by a gas disconnection unit of a public utility or a designated emergency response unit.
* If there are two or more traffic lanes in the same direction as the emergency vehicle or tow truck, passing vehicles need only slow down in the lane immediately beside the stopped emergency vehicle. Vehicles traveling in other lanes, including oncoming lanes, may maintain their speed but should proceed with caution.
* In construction zones, motorists must observe the posted speed. When workers are present, fines for speeding in these areas will be doubled. This is where workers are on or near the road, operating heavy equipment, directing traffic, or using hand tools within the construction zone. Drivers need to look out for workers who could be less visible behind construction equipment.
Insurance
* The fine for a first offence of driving without insurance remains at $2,500 to $10,000. Jail time for not paying the fine increases to 45 days from 30. WSN