Be Aware. Pass with Care

That is the message that the government of Saskatchewan would once again like to stress to drivers this winter season.

Each winter, snowplows in Saskatchewan are involved in collisions with drivers, and the majority of them can be avoided by being aware and passing with care.

In recent years, the Government of Saskatchewan has implemented clear laws to improve snowplow safety, allowing drivers to pass a moving snowplow when safe to do so. 

Laws such as slowing to 60 kilometres per hour when passing any highway equipment when warning lights are operating, similar to any other emergency vehicle.  Provincial snowplows come equipped with flashing amber and blue lights; blue being used when plowing, salting or sanding to increase their visibility.

Moreover, drivers can help to reduce the number of collisions by staying back a safe distance to avoid the "Snow Zone"; the mini-blizzard that snowplows create in their wake, and of course by driving according to the current weather and road conditions.

It is always recommended that drivers plan ahead by using the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or calling 511 and to plan for extra time in their trip to account for unexpected delays due to weather conditions.