Plows, ice covered windows and speed: winter driving is back

Following the recent snowfalls in Saskatchewan, drivers are re-adjusting to winter conditions.

“Road conditions are going to be different in winter months,” SGI’s Tyler McMurchy said. “A number of people, unfortunately, had a rude reminder of that this week.”

On Monday, Saskatoon police responded to 17 collisions between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. thanks to slippery conditions.

McMurchy told 650 CKOM that driving for conditions is important to avoid those types of collisions and tickets.

“If you’re driving too fast for conditions, there is a fine for that–it’s $175,” he explained.

At times that can include driving the posted speed limit.

“Those posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions,” McMurchy said. “When you’re not seeing ideal driving conditions, you need to reduce your speed accordingly so you can stop.”

Another rule of the road that seems seasonal is clearing windows. Failing to do so could mean a $125 fine, which happened to a Regina driver on Wednesday.

Think you don't have time to scrape your windows? ❄

Reality check. You'll end up spending a lot more time (and money) when you are handed a $125 ticket for it #maketime #intheclear https://t.co/eppjise5lW

— Regina Police (@reginapolice) October 30, 2019

With more snow in the forecast, McMurchy is reminding drivers of the rules around plows.

“Slow to 60 km/h. You shouldn’t pass them (plows) at a speed faster than that,” he said. “In fact we recommend not passing them at all.”

McMurchy explains, plows are on the road for a reason and conditions could be significantly worse in front of them.

He said plow convoys often pull to the side every once in a while to allow drivers to pass when possible.

While there is no direct incentive for drivers to take winter driving precautions, McMurchy said it can impact SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program.

“It gives them (drivers) the opportunity to earn insurance discounts,” he said.

The discounts are applied for every year of clean driving, including no moving violations or at-fault collisions.