STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
With a new year comes new changes to road safety regulations. Bill 38 amends the Highway Traffic Act to establish clear rules for drivers when passing cyclists and winter maintenance vehicles, and gives tow truck operators options to enhance their safety while working in traffic.
The bill establishes three road safety initiatives:
- It sets clear rules for motorists around winter maintenance vehicles. When approaching or passing snowplows with blue warning lights activated, drivers must stay back 30 metres on roads that are a speed limit of 80 km/h or slower. On roads with a speed limit above 80 km/h, vehicles must stay back 100 metres. Drivers must not pass if the view ahead is obstructed or passing risks interfering with the vehicle or work.
- Drivers must leave at least one metre of space when passing a cyclist. This aligns Manitoba with British Columbia, Ontario and others.
- Tow truck and roadside assistance operators. Operators may place cones and signs to alert drivers and divert traffic from work zones.
The Manitoba government developed these amendments after extensive consultations with industry representatives, law enforcement, municipalities and advocacy groups. For further information, visit Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s website here.
