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| News Release |
| December 8, 2005 |
| For Immediate Release |
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ROWAT INTRODUCES BILL TO BAN RIDING IN THE BACK OF PICKUP TRUCKS |
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Today, Minnedosa MLA Leanne Rowat, introduced her private members bill, Bill 208 – The Highway Traffic Amendment Act. Bill 208 would, if passed, amend the Highway Traffic Act to ban people from riding in the back of pickup trucks or any other portion of the exterior of the vehicle not designed or intended for passengers.
The amendment includes the following exceptions:
· vehicles being used for fire fighting;
· vehicles engaged in highway construction or maintenance;
· sanitation vehicles;
· a vehicle involved in a caravan, motorcade, parade or rally;
· people whose work requires them to be in the box of a pickup truck;
· trucks classified as farm trucks and are being used for farm work.
“This is a common sense bill that it promotes safety for passengers,” said Rowat. “The bill prohibits people from riding on the outside of a vehicle or any other part of it that is not designated to be occupied, except in specific instances where certain exemptions have been outlined.”
Current legislation does not specifically address riding on the exterior of a vehicle, but has general provisions to outlaw unsafe driving and dangerous riding.
“The safety of persons riding on the exterior of vehicles has been an issue for some time, and I feel it is imperative that this Bill be supported by all members of the Legislature,” said Rowat. “The current legislation does not go far enough in addressing this issue and requires increased clarity and consistency.”
Progressive Conservative Transportation Critic, Larry Maguire, seconded Bill 208.
“I commend Mrs. Rowat for bringing forward this bill since the Doer NDP government has done little on this issue. Bill 208 is about looking out for the safety of all Manitobans,” said Maguire. “I urge all members of the Legislature to support this bill.”
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| For more information, please contact |
| Felicia Engstrom, Communications Officer, PC Caucus
Office: 945-5519 Cellular: 782-0543 E-mail
: fengstrom@leg.gov.mb.ca |
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