Since driver training with AMA in his Ford Maverick as a teenager , the Honourable Brian Mason , Minister of Transportation and longtime AMA member , has been on the move . He was a professional driver before entering politics and now he ’ s leading Alberta Transportation — one of the government departments that AMA has worked closely with throughout its history . The Minister is motoring ahead to keep Alberta roads safe amidst a transformative mobility landscape that includes changes like ride sharing , autonomous vehicles and the legalization of marijuana . We recently sat down with him to get his perspective on a few issues important to AMA members and all Alberta drivers . |
What ’ s your department doing to get ready for the legalization of cannabis ? First , we ’ re preparing public education campaigns . Our message is that driving under the influence of any substance — alcohol or drugs — impairs your ability and poses a risk to you and other motorists sharing the road . It can ’ t be tolerated .
I think a lot of people believe that driving under the influence of marijuana isn ’ t as bad as driving under the influence of alcohol , but the evidence shows otherwise . We ’ re also working to upgrade our legislation to treat drug-impaired driving the same as alcohol-impaired driving . And we ’ re working with enforcement agencies to develop good roadside testing .
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Safety at the roadside for tow truck drivers and members is a big concern . What can be done to ensure they stay safe ? I know AMA has shared these concerns and suggested making changes to our Slow Down , Move Over legislation so that it ’ s clearer for everyone . I will consider the changes suggested to make it mandatory for all lanes of traffic travelling in the same direction to slow down to 60 kilometres per hour . I will also review the legislation Saskatchewan recently passed to allow tow trucks to have both blue and amber flashing lights so that they ’ re more visible on the side of the road , particularly in poor weather conditions . |
curtis trent |