Provincial government allows tow truck drivers to mount flashing blue lights to increase visibility

For tow truck drivers like Mel Leveque, responding to calls for service on the highway can be an unwanted adventure.

Leveque owns Eagle Towing in Melfort and is one of six directors with the Roadside Responders Association of Saskatchewan. He said every time a driver helps a customer on the highway, they’re taking a huge risk.

“You can have three or four (vehicles) slow down and pull over, and then one will go by you at 110, and they’ll only give you a couple feet,” he explained. “We’ve had members actually get grazed by mirrors on vehicles. We just have to draw attention to how dangerous it is.”

On Thursday, the provincial government did just that. MLAs from both parties came together to pass legislation that will allow tow truck drivers to mount flashing blue lights on their vehicles. All trucks already have amber lights, but the blue lights are designed to give them some extra noticeability.

Leveque was at the legislature to see the bill pass. He said it’s a good start, but while he praised the government for the decision, he’s not sure if it will be enough.

“If people slow down to 60 and move over into the other lane to get by us, that’s perfect right there, but I can’t see that happening,” he said. “Sometimes you might have to get in with signage to warn people ahead of time … or maybe have the police enforce the rules.”

For the rest of this story, please see the April 7 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.