Snow Zone campaign kicked off in Moose Jaw
David Marit, minister of Highways and Infrastructure, was in Moose Jaw recently to kick off the annual provincial Snow Zone campaign, aimed at reminding travellers to slow down and stay back when approaching snowplows on provincial highways.
“It’s important, especially this time of year, that we remember to drive with care and caution when approaching snowplows, he said. “Snowplows are there to help clear the path and make the road safer for us as travellers so please show the operators respect by slowing down and staying back. They have families too.”
Marit said the snowplows create mini blizzards, called the Snow Zone, that can impact visibility. “They also tend to travel at a lower rate of speed so slow down and be patient. ” Operators pull over about every 10 kilometres or when safe to give other drivers the opportunity to pass.
Marit said it is illegal to pass a snowplow at a speed greater than 60 km/hr when both the blue and amber lights are flashing, regardless of whether travelling on a two or four lane highway. The blue and amber lighting sequence was introduced in 2015 to distinguish snow removal equipment from other vehicles that also use amber lights. Legislation permits driver to pass a snowplow when it is pulled over but the reduced speed must be followed similar to other emergency vehicles. In advance of a winter storm highway crews continuously monitor road and weather conditions and when necessary will apply anti-icing liquid, salt or sand to highway surfaces. Marit said drivers can help keep roads safe in the winter by driving according to weather and highway conditions, slowing down when visibility and road conditions deteriorate, using the highway hotline to plan routes in advance and avoiding non-essential travel during winter storms.
“It’s important, especially this time of year, that we remember to drive with care and caution when approaching snowplows...” -David Marit, minister of Highways and Infrastructure