Highway Hotline launches winter safety campaign

Winter is coming to Saskatchewan, bringing blizzards, rapidly changing weather and icy roads along with it.

The Ministry of Highways launched its winter safety campaign Wednesday, encouraging drivers to check the Highway Hotline when planning trips. This year’s campaign features ads that will be shown in Saskatchewan theatres.

“The Highway Hotline serves to protect motorists by keeping them informed about Saskatchewan’s ever changing road conditions,” Lori Carr, Saskatchewan’s highways minister, said in a statement.

“I want to encourage everyone to have the Highway Hotline at the top of their winter driving check list. Please make an informed decision about your route and whether you should head out.”

A 30-second video encouraging drivers to make use of the recently redesigned Highway Hotline will be playing in movie theatres and on other platforms this season.

A second new ad, titled “Don’t Get Lost in the Clouds,” warns drivers of the dangers of following snowplows too closely, as the machinery often throws up snow which can disorient drivers. The ministry said using caution around plows is important for the safety of both drivers and operators.

“Thank you to all motorists in advance for their patience and understanding by remembering to give snowplows space so everyone can get home safely,” Carr added.

The ministry said it operates more than 300 plows on the provincial highway network, which stretches for more than 26,000 kilometres.

“Highways are prioritized for snow removal and ice treatment based on highway classification and traffic volumes,” the ministry noted.