EDMONTON – The number of collisions involving snowplows on Alberta highways has spiked since the start of 2015. In the first two weeks of the year there have been ten collisions involving snowplows, which is just one fewer than in all of 2014.
Alberta’s Transportation Department says motorists are driving too close to snowplows, or driving too fast for the road conditions.
The report indicates most of the collisions happen because people are driving blind into a snow cloud and rear ending the plow, or try to pass one and hit the side-mounted wing blade- a large blade mounted on the front which can swing to either side of the vehicle.
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Drivers are being encouraged to follow a few tips:
- Slow down and proceed with caution if you see a snow cloud or have poor visibility.
- Stay a safe distance behind a snowplow. It’ll not only prevent a collision, but protect your car and windshield from being sprayed with sanding material.
- Wait for a snowplow to pull over before passing on a highway
- If a snowplow is approaching in oncoming traffic, pull to the right as much as possible and slow down to avoid being hit by sanding material.
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