Brush Up On Your Snowplow Safety

Sharing the road with snowplows can create special challenges for motorists.
You can be better prepared by following a few simple tips when you encounter
a snowplow:

• Be visible - keep headlights on at all times when travelling.
• Slow down and keep to the right. Snowplows in residential areas move at much slower speeds than other vehicles. On the highway, snowplows may travel as much as 70 km/hr. Operators also frequently stop to clean off their lights.
• Don't pass on the right hand side on undivided highways. Snow and debris exit the plow on the right and pose a severe hazard.
• Be cautious when approaching a snowplow from behind - plows may cause snow clouds that reduce visibility.
• Watch for the flashing amber lights on the back of these vehicles. These lights send a very intense, narrow band of light behind the snowplow that increases its visibility.
• Stay well back until the snowplow operator can safely pull over to let you pass. They will pull over approximately every eight to 12 kilometers and will turn off the sand for vehicles passing whenever possible.

Did you know...?

• Approximately $44 million is spent on snow and ice control each year.
• There are 32,000 kilometers of highway in the province with 28,400 of it paved.
• The province uses 520,000 tons of sand and 150,000 tons of salt to maintain Alberta's highways.
• There are more than 540 snowplows stationed in approximately 100 maintenance shops across the province.
  Drive safe - keep well back from the snowplow's track.

Click on a link below to hear an MP3 radio spot:

• Snow Plow Awareness
• Snow Plow