WINNIPEG, MB - This winter, the City of Winnipeg has partnered with the Heavy Equipment and Aggregate Truckers Association of Manitoba (H.E.A.T.) on a joint initiative to promote safety around winter snow clearing operations. After a snow fall, or when snow and ice accumulations are high, you can expect sanding and snow clearing operations to occur.
"Equipment used in winter snow clearing operations may have blind spots, which can make it difficult for operators to see other vehicles when vehicles are too close. Visibility may be further hampered due to poor weather conditions," says Ken Boyd, Manager of the Streets Maintenance Division, Public Works. "The Stay Back, Stay Safe public awareness campaign is aimed at reminding everyone about winter safety practices."
The public is reminded to be patient, allow additional travel time to get to destinations, or take alternative routes if needed. Sharing roads and sidewalks with snow clearing equipment can create special challenges for motorists and pedestrians. Both motorists and pedestrians are urged to adjust their behaviours to winter conditions, and to think about safety first when in the vicinity of any snow clearing equipment and sanding trucks. When sand or salt is being applied to the road surfaces, motorists are advised to slow down and stay away from the spreader truck to prevent their vehicle from being hit with sand or salt.
"Snow clearing operators are often out clearing snow in unfavorable weather conditions in order to make the roadways as safe as possible for you and your families," says Nicole Chabot, President of the Heavy Equipment and Aggregate Truckers Association of Manitoba. "The equipment is working to clear streets as efficiently and safely as possible, not to get in your way, and our dedicated, hard-working operators will do their best to keep the roadways clear and safe. It is up to you to be cautious as well and to adjust your driving behaviour to winter conditions."
Plowing and sanding crews need room to do their work efficiently and effectively, so it is in everyone's best interest to Stay Back, Stay Safe. Motorists and pedestrians can be better prepared by following a few simple tips when they encounter snow clearing equipment this winter:
SLOW DOWN AND KEEP WELL BACK from snow clearing equipment. The recommended distance is a minimum of 15 metres (approximately three car lengths) to leave plenty of room for the equipment to work.
BE VISIBLE and keep headlights on at all times when travelling. These machines may cause snow clouds that reduce visibility.
BE PREPARED TO STOP. Snow clearing equipment moves at much slower speeds than other vehicles, and operators also stop frequently to assess the areas they are clearing. Freshly plowed streets can also be slippery until sand/salt trucks have applied the appropriate material.
DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT hand side of the equipment. Often snow and debris are plowed to the right and pose a severe hazard to motorists.
BE CAUTIOUS when approaching snow clearing equipment from behind. These machines often make several passes over the same area, which requires travelling in reverse. Vehicles travelling too close are at risk of damage or collision with the machinery.
MAKE EYE CONTACT if you are unsure of what a piece of equipment is about to do, wait and make eye contact with the operator - they may finish the task, or if safe to do so, they may stop and wave you through before continuing their work.
AVOID DRIVING THROUGH WINDROWS. These machines often make several passes to clear a roadway. If you drive through a windrow, you may risk getting stuck in the snow and ice, possibly damaging your vehicle, or you may scatter the snow, creating a hazard for other motorists.
For more information visit Winnipeg.ca/staybackstaysafe