Released on November 20, 2008
Motorists will be able to spot more easily the snowplow trucks working to clear Saskatchewan's 26,000 kilometre (km) highway network of snow and ice this winter.
In addition to high intensity flashing lights, new checkerboards and wind scoops are being installed on the back of the fleet truck boxes, so motorists will have a better visual cue to warn them they are advancing toward a snowplow.
"Blading snow off the road can create a mini blizzard or ‘Snow Zone' around the plow, especially in windy conditions, which can significantly limit driver visibility and result in rear-end collisions," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "Our goal is to reduce these incidents by employing devices that can be seen better through that cloud of snow."
There are 300 trucks working throughout the province in close proximity to high speed traffic. This can lead to dangerous driving scenarios if the proper precautions are not taken. Three collisions were recorded last winter, bringing the 10-year total to 48 collisions since Ministry officials began tracking them in 1998.
"Motorists may pass by a plow in a whiteout or run into the back of the plow because they didn't realize it was there," Elhard said. "Motorists who are driving too fast for road conditions or are impatient when following the plow are more likely to be involved in a collision. Give the operators room to work, and remember that the plows pull over every 10 km or so, to allow vehicles behind them to pass."
Slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a snowplow or encountering a sudden decrease in visibility. Only pass the plow if the passing lane is completely clear. Remember that snowplows operate at slower speeds when plowing snow and spreading salt and sand - as slow as 30 km per hour when treating thick ice.
Snowplows are on the road before, during and after storms and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Snow and ice removal:
Level 1 - Occurs within six hours of the end of the storm on highways that serve as commuter routes, major inter-provincial and international travel routes, connect communities with a population of 3,000 or more and have an average annual daily traffic (AADT) count of 1,500 or more vehicles.
Level 2 - Occurs within 12 hours on highways with an AADT between 300 and 1,500. Additional time may be required in extreme circumstances.
Level 3 - Occurs on all other highways with an AADT less than 300 as soon as possible or within 24 hours, without jeopardizing service to Level 1 or 2 highways.
Please see accompanying "Fast Fact" sheets and the levels of service map for more information on winter maintenance practices and snow plow safety. These documents and other Snow Zone information is available online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.
Remember to check the interactive winter highway conditions map at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or call the Highway Hotline before you head out:
Toll-free throughout Saskatchewan: 1-888-335-7623
SaskTel cellular network: *ROAD
Regina and area: 306-787-7623
Saskatoon and area: 306-933-8333
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692