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Mainroad cautions drivers passing maintenance crew

Mainroad Contracting wants to remind drivers to exercise caution when approaching highway maintenance vehicles on the road.

Mainroad Contracting wants to remind drivers to exercise caution when approaching highway maintenance vehicles on the road.

“When drivers attempt to pass a plow truck, they put themselves, their passengers, the truck operator and the driving public at risk,” the company said is a press release sent out Friday, January 2.

The contracting company, established as part of the privatization of road services within B.C., advised that drivers be aware that plows can often extend across the centre line of the highway and that on some highways and bridge structures, snow plows may be staggered across multiple lanes to more efficiently clear the area. Drivers are being advised not to pass plows under these circumstances.

“Remember the road surface ahead of the plow hasn’t been plowed yet, therefore, please slow down and be patient,” said Mainroad.

The reminder is tied to the changes made to the Slow Down Move Over rule, a protocol that ensures that roadside safety is now applicable to a new host of workers, including those conducting highway maintenance.

The simplified rule now requires drivers to reduce their speeds — 70 km/hr in an 80 km/hr or over zone and 40 km/hr elsewhere — as well as switching to another lane when passing vehicles displaying a flashing red, blue or yellow light.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in a $173 ticket or three penalty points.