MINISTER OF HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISES CAUTION ON ROADS DURING HOLIDAYS

Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard is urging Saskatchewan drivers take care and be aware of road conditions this holiday season especially around snowplows.

"Give this equipment the space needed to complete the job and maintain the roads," Elhard said. "Remember that the operators of the snowplows will pull over every 10 km or so to allow vehicles to pass."

Motorists are asked to have patience when approaching a snowplow. Snowplows operate at significantly lower speeds, sometimes as slow as 30-40 km/h.

In 2006 there was a record high - 11 reported collisions involving snowplows. There have been 42 collisions since 1998.

Snowplows are on the road before, during and after storms. Operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The two major factors in accidents involving snowplows are motorists driving too fast for road conditions and impatience when following the plow.

There are three levels to the process of snow and ice removal on Saskatchewan Highways:

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 vehicles. 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 on Level 1 or 2 highways.

The department of highways is committed to providing frequent snow removal service (please see attached map and fact sheets).

Drivers are encouraged to make use of the Highway Hotline before they head out. Winter driving conditions can also be accessed online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

The numbers for the hotline across the province are the following:
• 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
Email: kleatherdale@highways.gov.sk.ca