Christmas and New Years are behind us, but plenty of winter driving conditions remain. As such, the Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure department is reminding drivers not to be caught off guard by the plows on the road. Two snowplows have already been rear-ended on Saskatchewan highways and while no serious injuries resulted (this time), the ministry's wish list includes ensuring everyone gets home safely.
"Please be extra cautious if you come up behind a plow as the mini blizzard they create can cause a blinding effect for motorists," says Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris.
The two collisions on December 18, one on Hwy 10 near Fort Qu'Appelle and the other on Hwy 1 near Moosomin, both involved vehicles driving into the back of plows. This brings the number of collisions involving plows to 16 over the last two years.
It's a happening that is completely preventable if we all learn to drive accordingly.
Watch for the checkerboards on the back of the truck boxes and the bright wig-wag lights mounted on the corners of the trucks reminds McMorris. Plows pull over about every 10 kilometres so drivers can pass. Passing is only permitted if the plow is going 60 km/hr or under.
"With a fleet of 300 snowplows throughout the province, our staff is ready to go before, during and after a storm, and they report road conditions to the Highway Hotline at last three times per day or as conditions change," McMorris adds.
Snow, ice and poor visibility at times are a reality in this neck of the woods. If you are heading out to the highways remember that and drive appropriately.
