Driving in winter - The City of Red Deer

December 11, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Stay alert and stay safe this winter. Drive according to road and weather conditions. Always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and take care when driving around snow removal equipment.

“During the winter months, City crews sand and plow more than 500 kilometres of roads. We encourage motorists to keep safety in mind as they travel roads where there is snow clearing equipment.” said Steve Wright, Roads Superintendent.

If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on.

Don't crowd the plow. Snowplows plow far and wide-sometimes very wide. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations.
Plows turn and exit the road frequently. Give them plenty of room. Stay back at least 20 metres or 3 car lengths.
On multiple lane roads, watch for snowplows operating in either lane.
Snowplows can throw up a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react. Drive smart. Never drive into a snow cloud - it could conceal a snowplow.
A snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them but they may not see you.

“Snowplows and graders are continually clearing and sanding streets to provide the best possible driving conditions, drivers should always be on the lookout for them.” said Wright

During the winter months, City crews work around the clock to keep roadways drivable and traffic moving by using anti-icing compounds or sand when temperatures fall too low for chemicals to work. Supervisors check weather reports and move equipment, materials, and personnel where needed most.

For more information visit www.reddeer.ca/publicworks.

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For more information contact:

Stephen Wright
Roads Superintendent
Public Works Department
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8238