Released on November 24, 2003
Driving with caution when near a snowplow and using the Highway Hotline before traveling will help keep you and your family safe this winter.Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman today reminded winter travelers to watch for snowplows and promoted the benefits of using the Highway Hotline.
Drivers need to be cautious when traveling behind or approaching snowplows," Wartman said. "Accidents involving snowplows tend to be rear-end collisions. When visibility conditions are poor, snowplows will pull over at 10 kilometre intervals to allow travelers to pass safely, so it is best to wait rather than risk your safety."
Between 1999 and winter 2002, there were 12 accidents involving snowplows on Saskatchewan highways. There were no fatalities and five personal injuries.
Minister Wartman also reminds travelers to check the department's website at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or use the Highway Hotline before leaving home.
"With this state-of-the-art information service available, highway users can make informed decisions on travel," Wartman said. "This can contribute to safer travel and reduced accident and injury rates."
During severe weather, the Highway Hotline can handle up to 10,000 telephone inquiries daily and even more hits on the Internet site. During a typical winter season, the Highway Hotline receives 200,000 telephone inquiries and nearly 300,000 hits on the Internet site.
The toll-free service for the Highway Hotline along with the Internet site gives all Saskatchewan residents free access to the information. Conditions are updated at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., or whenever there are known changes that affect driving conditions.
When calling the Highway Hotline, people should know the highway number they want details about.
Highway Hotline Phone Numbers:
• Regina City and surrounding area: (306) 787-7623
• Saskatoon City and surrounding area: (306) 933-8333
• The toll-free phone number for all other areas of the Province:
1-888-335-7623
• From a cellular phone call: *ROAD (7623). Please pull over to the side
of the road before making a call.
For more information about other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the website at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Brian W. Cook Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-2701 |