CANADA, December 8 - Released on December 8, 2021

Snowplow operators are working to provide safe road conditions for you and your family. The majority of collisions can be avoided - remember: be aware, pass with care.

"People operating snowplows are often out working in poor weather conditions to ensure safer travel for Saskatchewan drivers," Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. "Snowplow operators sometimes encounter others travelling in ways that make working conditions dangerous. Pass snowplows safely."

The ministry operates more than 300 provincial snowplows across Saskatchewan serving a provincial highway network of about 26,000 km. Snow and ice removal equipment is mobilized before, during and after storms with equipment operators available 24-hours per day, seven days per week. 

"Public safety is a top priority, making sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day including us," an 11-year snowplow veteran Jarrod Klassen said. "My job is to clear the roads to keep people safe and the public's job is to drive with care so I can get home safely to my family."

Snowplows use blue and amber lights when plowing, salting or sanding to increase visibility, heighten awareness as well as increase safety for all operators and the public.

Keep roads safe this winter by:

• planning ahead using the Highway Hotline www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or calling 511;
• slowing to 60 kilometres per hour when highway equipment or other emergency vehicles are stopped with warning lights in operation;
• staying back and staying safe since snowplows can create mini-blizzards known as the "Snow Zone";
• allowing snowplows sufficient time and space since they will pull over about every 10 kilometres or when safe to do so;
• driving according to weather and road conditions; and 
• passing only when safe to do so.

The latest available road condition information can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or by calling 511. Follow the Highway Hotline on Twitter @SKGovHwyHotline for alerts, while general information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SaskatchewanHighwayHotline.

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