Released on April 30, 2009
The Saskatchewan Legislature today passed a new law to help keep snowplow operators safe while working on the highway. Motorists in Saskatchewan will now be required by law to slow to 60 km/h when passing snowplows and other highway vehicles with their warning beacons flashing, whether stopped on the side of the road or in motion.
This change was suggested by Sharon Gallenger, whose husband Jim, a Ministry of Highways snowplow operator since 1984, was tragically killed this past January while coming to the aid of a stranded motorist on the highway near Belle Plaine. Opposition MLA Kim Trew introduced the new legislation on behalf of Mrs. Gallenger.
"Jim Gallenger was a dedicated and valued member of the Highways and Infrastructure family whose legacy will help to ensure motorists slow down when passing maintenance equipment," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "Our government is committed to providing safer workplaces for our employees, be it through better equipment, training or legislation."
The ministry has 300 snowplows stationed at 85 locations across the province. Snowplows are on the road before, during and after storms and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"I continue to be grateful for the dedication and guidance the Gallenger family has provided members of the Legislature in drafting and passing this bill," Trew said. "It is comforting to know that Jim's life was not lost in vain and that through this tragedy, highway workers in Saskatchewan and families all across the province can feel an added level of safety on the road."
This legislation comes into force on July 1, 2009 and is in line with the existing law requiring motorists to slow to 60 km/h for emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the highway, and when passing highway workers in the orange zone. Fines for all of these offences start at $140.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804