REGINA, Sask. – The Government of Saskatchewan has passed a bill allowing tow trucks to have blue flashing lights in conjunction with amber lights, to increase their visibility in unsafe weather conditions. The Traffic Safety (Tow Trucks) Amendment Act, 2017 was both introduced and passed in the provincial legislature on April 6, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) announced in a news release. The bill was a response to the March 7 death of tow-truck operator Courtney Schaefer, in a fatal collision during a blizzard near the village of Gerald. “We’ve heard from tow-truck operators about how they risk their lives daily while they assist motorists in distress,” Joe Hargrave, Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for SGI, said in a press statement. “Adding blue lights will increase visibility, heighten awareness [and] increase safety for all operators and the public.” Hargrave added that highway drivers are legally required to slow down to 60 kilometres per hour when passing tow trucks and other emergency vehicles with flashing hazard lights. “So obey the law and slow down. It could save a life.” The law is expected to receive royal assent at the end of May, after which tow-truck operators may install blue lights on their vehicles, SGI stated.