Submitted:
The Alberta government and its highway maintenance partners are urging drivers to be careful when sharing the road with snowplows this winter.
That’s the focus of the 2008-09 Safer Winter Highways campaign, which officially kicked off Nov. 3. There are approximately 25 collisions involving snowplows each year in Alberta and these incidents can be prevented.
“Hundreds of snowplow operators work very hard to keep our highways clear in winter, but sometimes it means highway travellers experience delays,” said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation. “Motorists need to use caution when sharing the road with snowplows and drive according to conditions.”
In addition to promoting safety around snowplows, the campaign showcases the work done by maintenance contractors and promotes safe winter driving in general. The fourth-annual campaign is a joint effort of the Alberta government and members of the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association.
“Clearing roads of snow and ice requires high tech equipment and highly skilled operators,” said Gene Syvenky, chief executive officer of the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. “We have both in Alberta, but motorists need to give them time and space to their jobs well.”
The campaign features radio and billboard advertising, Show off the Plows school and community events, website information, media showcases and other awareness activities.
The campaign runs from November to March, 2009. Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca and click on the Safer Winter Highways icon for more information.