REGINA — Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways is reminding motorists that with winter weather comes winter safety reminders, especially when encountering snow plows out in the wild.
The province officially launched this year’s snow plow safety campaign on Dec. 7, with a message from a local operator to really highlight the importance of road safety practices.
A total of 300 ministry snow plows are in operation across the province each winter, often in some of the worst weather conditions Saskatchewan has to offer.
Drivers are reminded that safe road conditions require some help from regular motorists as well as big-machinery operators.
“Be aware, pass with care” — this is the moniker of the ministry’s safety campaign.
"Public safety is a top priority, making sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day including us," said 11-year snowplow veteran Jarrod Klassen, in Regina. "My job is to clear the roads to keep people safe and the public's job is to drive with care so I can get home safely to my family."
"I want to go home safe and I want everyone else to go home safe too, so that's always in the back of my mind," said Klassen.
When encountering snow plows on roads and highways, there are a few important things to remember, said the ministry.
Snow plows are considered emergency vehicles, so motorists are required by law to slow to 60 kilometres per hour or less when passing a snow plow with it's yellow and blue lights flashing.
Flashing lights means the plow is either plowing, salting, or sanding. Drivers are asked to keep a safe distance from the working machinery and avoid passing .
Snow plows sometimes create a mini-blizzard in their wake, called the “Snow Zone,” where visibility may be dangerous for following vehicles. Always give plows ample time and space on the roads, said the ministry, as often operators can't see nearby drivers due to this zone.
When approaching a snowplow from the opposite direction, drivers are encouraged to pull over to the side of the road as far as possible and allow the snowplow to pass by.
Passing plows is allowed provided they aren't actively plowing and the coast is clear, but patience may be key for drivers, said the ministry. Snow plow operators on the highway will pull over approximately every 10 kilometres or when safe, so drivers are advised to avoid passing until these opportunities arise.
And, of course, motorists are reminded to always drive safely and according to current road conditions, to reduce the risk of accidents. Slowing down, increasing following distance from other vehicles and properly cleaning off windshields and head and tail lights before leaving are all great practices to remember.
Travellers are also reminded to take a few extra minutes to check highway conditions before hitting the road in the winter, and even leave a little earlier to avoid being rushed in arriving wherever they're going.
The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline shares regular updates on road conditions across the province online at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or on Twitter, or drivers can call 511 for updated information. General updates from Saskatchewan Highways are often posted on Facebook.
