Seeing Blue? Slow Down, Stay Back, Stay Safe

Released on December 17, 2015

Saskatchewan highways will soon be a little more colourful.  Beginning Monday, December 21, blue and amber flashing lights will be activated on all Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure snow removal equipment during regular winter maintenance activities.

“The blue and amber light combination is unique to snow removal equipment, so it helps motorists identify when equipment is working on the highways,” Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for SGI Don McMorris said on behalf of Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner.  “When you see the blue and amber lights flashing, please slow down and stay well back of the snow removal equipment.”

The blue and amber lights will be installed on provincial snowplows, graders and snow blowers.  The light combination will only be used when the equipment is plowing or blowing snow, sanding, salting or surveying the condition of the highways.  Saskatchewan joins Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and the Yukon in adopting the blue and amber light combination.

“By adding the blue lights to the amber ones already in use, we’re hoping to increase visibility and awareness of our snow removal equipment,” McMorris said.  “At this time of year, we’re all in a hurry; increasing visibility of equipment will help everyone get home safe.”

If you come across snowplows in operation, slow down and stay back.  The operators will pull over approximately every 10 kilometres or when it is safe to do so, giving you an opportunity to pass.  Remember, it’s illegal to pass snow removal equipment at more than 60 km/hr when lights are flashing.

Before heading out on the highways this winter, please check the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca or call 1-888-335-7623 for the latest road conditions.

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For more information, contact:

Paul Spasoff
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: paul.spasoff@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-1603