ASSINIBOIA — Winter 2025 continues to deliver unsavoury travel conditions at times, which means motorists need to exercise additional caution, especially around snowplows. Saskatchewan has 26,000 kilometres in their highway network so winter travel is very likely to encounter a snowplow.
Ministry of Highways snow removal equipment features blue and amber flashing lights, as well as black and yellow checkerboard, to increase their visibility to improve safety of their operators and the travelling public.
Passing snowplows on the right, especially in a passing lane, is both dangerous and illegal.
The mini blizzard, often referred to as the snow zone, created by snowplows clearing roads is one hazard, but these plows can throw snow and ice into adjacent right lane, creating conditions hazardous for passing. Doing so not only endangers the motorist but the snow plow operator is also put at risk.
Treat snow plows the same as you would emergency vehicles. If they are pulled over with lights flashing, slow to 60 km/h and pass with caution.
Ministry of Highways equipment is out working in snow and ice events to keep our roads safe, but they need space to do their job.
Snowplows are equipped to clear large areas of road but this also means they operate at slower speeds to ensure thorough cleaning.
Snowplow operators aim to pull over every 10 to 15 kilometres to minimize delays, but only when safe to do so. This allows vehicles to pass safely on the left.
Tips for Winter Driving Around Snowplows
Maintain a safe following distance so that the plow operator can not only see you but also to allow room for unexpected stops or turns.
Wait for the snowplow operator to pull over and only pass when safe to do so, on the left
Use patience and allow snowplow operators the space they need to complete their work.
Stay alert by paying attention to road conditions, warning lights and signage near active snowplows.
Following these guidelines ensures drives are helping ensure both safety of themselves and the snow plow operators who are clearing roads.
The Ministry of Highways notes on their website, “Every winter, snow plows are hit by motorists that don’t see them, or see them too late. Most of these collisions are rear-end collisions and are preventable. “
Another important note on the Ministry of Highways website, https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/highways/highway-safety/winter-safety , states that winter highway maintenance will not begin when visibility is less than 250 m (as defined by Environment Canada)
Plan your commute with Highway Hotline. You can track where plows are by clicking the track my plow feature. Highway cameras are placed around Saskatchewan and motorists can also access these through the hotline app.
