DRIVE WITH CAUTION IN THE SNOW ZONE

Motorists are urged to take caution and drive with care when approaching snow plows operating on provincial highways.

"Our snow plow operators are often out in treacherous conditions to make the highways as safe as possible," Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "Our dedicated staff will do their best to keep the highways clear. It is up to motorists to drive with caution in the Snow Zone for everyone's safety."

Since 1998, Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has recorded a total of 30 accidents involving snow plows, and noted the number of collisions has increased on a yearly basis – up from two in 1998 to nine in 2004. Since January of 2005, there have been a total of six accidents.

"I've been through some serious accidents in my 25 years driving a snow plow," Gull Lake snow plow operator Ed Lowenberger said. "We're trying to do the best job possible to keep motorists safe, but we can't do our job without the public's help – please give the snow plow room to work."

Blading snow off the road creates a mini blizzard or "Snow Zone" around the plow, especially in windy conditions. This can significantly limit driver visibility. The vast majority of accidents in the Snow Zone are rear-end collisions where motorists don't see the snow plow, or see it too late.

When approaching a snow plow, slow down and proceed with caution. Motorists are reminded to have patience as snow plows operate at slower speeds – sometimes as slow as 30-40 km/h – when pushing snow and spreading salt and sand. The operator will pull over every 10 km to allow vehicles to pass. In addition, snow plows stop at all railway crossings to ensure it is safe to cross and that the plow blade will clear the track.

Several accidents have occurred on four-lane highways where motorists assumed the plow was clearing snow in the driving lane, when in fact it was operating in the passing lane. If you can't see, don't pass – stay back and stay safe.

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has 85 winter maintenance crews and 291 plow trucks throughout the province. Highways are inspected regularly to determine if snow removal and or salt/sand application is needed.

Snow and ice removal:

Level 1 – Occurs on principal highways with an average annual daily traffic (AADT) count greater than 1,500 within 6 hours of the end of the storm. Additional time may be required in extreme circumstances.

Level 2 – Occurs on regional highways with an AADT between 300 and 1,500 within 12 hours. Additional time may be required in extreme circumstances.

Level 3 – Occurs on all other regional highways with an AADT less than 300 as soon as possible, without jeopardizing service to Level 1 or 2 highways, or within 24 hours.

Please see accompanying "Fast Fact" sheets for more information on snow plow safety and winter maintenance practices, and the media contact list for Highways and Transportation representatives in your area.

Remember to check out road conditions at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or call the Highway Hotline for up-to-date highway driving information:

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 Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484