DON'T GET PLOWED IN THE SNOW ZONE

Motorists are urged to take caution and drive with care when approaching snowplows clearing snow and ice on provincial highways this winter.

"Snowplow operators are 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."

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation's "Don't Get Plowed in the Snow Zone" safety campaign is designed to make motorists aware of the "Snow Zone". 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, resulting in rear-end collisions with the plow truck.

Since 1998, Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has recorded 35 collisions involving snow plows. Since January of 2006 there have been a total of 5 accidents.

"I was plowing snow on Highway 6 through the Qu'Appelle Valley when a semi clipped me from behind," Southey area snow plow operator Ron Off said. "We went for a ride. We were headed toward the bridge – the semi went up on the guard rail but luckily he came to a stop without going over. Accidents and close calls are all too common when you're driving a snowplow."

Motorists are reminded to slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a snowplow or encountering a sudden drop in visibility. Remember that snowplows operate at slower speeds when pushing snow and spreading salt and sand. Operators will pull over every 10 km to allow vehicles to pass.

There are 290 snowplows operating throughout the province to clear snow and ice for safer winter driving. 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.

"Clearing snow and ice in a cold, windy province with a flat landscape is always a challenge," Off said. "In cold conditions, a lot more salt is needed to melt the ice, and at temperatures below –6°C, road salt begins to lose its effectiveness. In addition, wind is always a component of winter storms, blowing salt and sand off the road and creating new snow drifts where we just finished plowing. In warmer temperatures, salting and sanding can do more harm than good as ice melts and refreezes in layers on the highway. We would ask for the public's understanding as we work as quickly as possible to make the roads safe."

The accompanying "Fast Fact" sheets provide for more information on winter maintenance practices and snow plow safety.

The latest road conditions are available online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or by calling the Highway Hotline:

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 Cell: 306-536-9692