Blue lights could save lives, says tow trucking community

There are renewed calls for changes to the colours of the flashing emergency lights on tow trucks after the death of a tow truck driverbetween Castlegar and Trail last weekend.

Wayne Kernachanwas struck and killed while helping a motorist who had hit a deer. He was wearing the appropriate safety gear and had his truck's lights flashing at the time.

Now, the Automotive Retailers Association of B.C. and the tow trucking communityis suggesting that flashing blue and white lights may do a better job of catching the eyes of passing drivers.CEO,Ken McCormack, says that people have become desensitized to the amber lights.

"There are laws in B.C. that state any time the motoring public sees flashing lights of any colour they're expected to slow down, move over and follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately that's not happening," McCormack toldChris Walker, host of Daybreak South.

McCormack says that when drivers see blue or red lights, similar to emergency vehicles, they automatically slow down.

StuartAdy who used to own a towing company in the area agrees that drivers don't slow down for the amber flashing lights of a tow truck anymore.

Ady recalls being in some scary situations on the highways. He saysblue and white lights could make a difference.

"It was like Russian roulette. People wouldn't slow down," he said.

"There's so many vehicles out therewithorangelights, fromministriestocontractors.And I think orangelightsdisappear;theydon'tsee them anymore."

'They need to be recognized'

McCormack saystow trucks often arrive on a scene before first responders, and their safety should be considered.

"It's important for us to stand up for the people that are out there protecting us on on B.C. roads," he said

"They need to be recognized for what they are. They're the people rescuing the motoring public from the side of the roador worse."

Last year, theAutomotive Retailers Association of B.C. sent a paper to theMinistry of Public Safety, calling for the changes.TheMinistrytold theCBCthat those changes fall under theMotor Vehicle Act.

With files from David French and Daybreak South