A new roadside worker safety initiative will come into effect in Alberta on September 1, 2023. (File photo: LNN) 

By Sarah Jones

Government of Alberta to implement new driving laws to improve roadside worker safety

Mar 2, 2023 | 1:13 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Albertans will have to adjust their driving speeds come September 1, 2023, for the implementation of a roadside worker safety initiative.

Changes include slowing down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower, in all lanes traveling in the same direction when an emergency vehicle is stopped with its lights flashing.

That also applies to motorists traveling in the opposite direction on a single-lane road or highway when passing roadside construction workers, snowplow operators, first responders or tow truck drivers.

Prior to these changes coming into effect, the province will prepare a two-to-three-month education campaign to raise awareness and increase safety for roadside workers across the province.

The Alberta Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors promises to inform residents of the changes, so motorists are not surprised on the launch date in September and won’t receive unexpected tickets for incorrectly passing roadside workers at higher speeds.

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Speed fines are doubled when workers or emergency responders are present and can range from $163 to $991, depending on how fast a driver is speeding.

A full look at fines and changes to the Traffic Safety Amendment Act can be found on the Government of Alberta website.

Transportation and Economic Corridors has also extended the registrar’s exemption to permit the use of flashing blue lights to increase the visibility of tow trucks, support vehicles, government-contracted snowplows and highway maintenance vehicles for five years (to February 2028).

According to the province, the initial one-year blue light pilot project demonstrated the effectiveness of increasing visibility and safety for Alberta’s roadside workers.