Safe Winter Driving

Snow removal equipment and sanding/plowing trucks are large and slow moving. At times, however, they are necessary and may inconvenience your journey. To ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle, we recommend you stay at least 20 meters behind the equipment and pass only when it is safe to do so.

Winter Driving Tips

Winter requires different driving techniques. Good drivers match their driving habits to the road conditions. Here are tips to make your winter drive safer:

  • Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
  • Cold temperatures may make you feel more tired; a well-rested driver is a safer driver.
  • Be prepared! Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
  • Make sure your windshield, back window, outside mirrors and all lights are free of dirt, snow, frost, etc.
  • Ensure your winter clothing allows for shoulder checking and access to vehicle controls.
  • Reduce speed and turn on your headlights.
  • Leave extra distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you to allow more time to stop.
  • Maintain enough speed to climb hills but reduce speed before going down hills.
  • Avoid backing up, especially during a heavy snowfall. Check your rear view mirror regularly while your vehicle is stopped in traffic.
  • If you're uncomfortable driving on winter roads, consider taking Red Deer Transit.

Sharing the road with plows, sanders and other equipment

Our crews work to keep our roads safe and driveable, which sometimes means that drivers need to share the road with our equipment. Help us help you by keeping these things in mind:

  • Never pass a snow plow when it is clearing snow; whiteout conditions created by flying snow can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a collision.
  • Stay at least 20 metres behind equipment and only pass when it is safe to do so. This will ensure your safety and prevent potential damage to your vehicle from flying debris.
  • Remember, large equipment can sometimes have large blind spots. If you can't see their mirrors, they can't see you.
  • Plows can change lanes suddenly. Be sure to leave them space to work.
  • Remember, our operators are trained and experienced. Please be kind and courteous as they work hard to keep our city streets safe.