Tragedy prompts push for reform

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Published: January 1, 1998

An Alberta mother who lost her son in an accident is campaigning for a provincial law to prevent similar tragedies.

Ross Egan of Red Deer, was riding in the back of a pick-up truck that collided with another vehicle. He was ejected and died. The death of her son has prompted Dot Egan to lobby politicians to “make it an illegal act for people to ride in the rear of any pick-up truck or open bed vehicle without secured seats and approved seat belts.”

By Dec. 9, she had collected 8,000 signatures from those who support her initiative. That day her MLA, Victor Doerkson, presented the petition to the Alberta legislature.

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Saskatchewan and Manitoba laws make it illegal to ride in the back of vehicles on public roads without proper seats and restraints, said Calgary lawyer Ken Noble. But Alberta law still permits it.

When asked about the possibility of changing the law, transport minister Walter Paszkowski, said “it was something that we are considering and is under review by the Traffic Safety Initiative.”

Noble said to support Egan’s proposal contact him at Noble, Johnston & Associates, #201, 5920 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, Alta. T2H 0K2; phone 403-543-7500; fax 403-543-7502.

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Alan Harman

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