A new law came into effect on January 1 aimed at enhancing safety for highway workers and all Manitobans on the road.
One of the primary changes outlined in the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Traffic Safety Measures) sets out new rules for drivers around winter maintenance vehicles. Drivers who are following snowplows and other winter maintenance equipment that have blue warning lights activated are required to stay back 30 metres where the speed limit is 80 km/h or lower, and stay back 100 metres where the speed limit is above 80 km/h.
The legislation also states that drivers are not permitted to pass these vehicles if the view ahead is obstructed or passing might interfere with the vehicle’s operation.
After hearing from plow operators who’ve been involved in collisions and close-calls on Manitoba roads, MGEU President, Kyle Ross, said the changes are an important step in enhancing highway safety for workers and motorists alike.
“When winter storms hit, we know how dangerous Manitoba’s highways can be, and MGEU members are on the front lines clearing the roads to keep people and goods moving,” he said. “We welcome changes that recognize the importance of this work and make these workers’ jobs safer.”