The Ministry of Highways is making a change that should help drivers spot snow-removal equipment on Saskatchewan’s roads.
Starting Monday, all provincial snowplows, graders and snow blowers will have flashing blue and amber lights. They’ll be the only vehicles using that combination.
The lights will only be used when the equipment is plowing or blowing snow, sanding, salting or checking out conditions on the highway.
“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,” Minister responsible for SGI Don McMorris said in a news release. “At this time of year, we’re all in a hurry; increasing visibility of equipment will help everyone get home safe.”
It is illegal to pass a snowplow at more than 60 kilometres per hour when its lights are flashing. Operators are told to pull over every 10 kilometres or when it is safe to do so to let drivers pass.
Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and the Yukon already use blue and amber lights on their snowplows.