Article content

Devin Bell has been driving snowplows for 18 years.

Many drivers respect the plows by pulling over and giving them room to work safely, but Bell said others are often in a big hurry to get by.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or New law requiring drivers to slow to 60 km/hr when passing snowplows now in effect Back to video

“I know quite a few operators that have been (hit),” he said. “I think it effects everyone a little bit different.”

Bell said sometimes the snowplow operators themselves don’t get injured in a collision, but the people in the vehicle who attempt to pass do get hurt and that’s what can be difficult.

“Unfortunately they’re putting their safety at risk,” he said.

As the supervisor of operations for the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure out of Southey, Bell helped launch the province’s annual snowplow safety campaign Thursday afternoon.

As part of this year’s campaign, the ministry announced new laws designed to improve snowplow safety and help minimize risks for everyone on the road.

Now in effect, the new law requires drivers to slow to 60 km/hr when highway equipment (including snowplows) or other emergency vehicles are stopped and have their emergency lights flashing.