Sharing the road and winter driving in Saskatchewan

By the end of this topic you can

• You can give cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians safe space.
• You can stay out of a large truck's blind spots and pass it safely.
• You can respond correctly to emergency vehicles.
• You can handle farm equipment, wildlife and snow plows on rural roads.
• You can prepare your vehicle and yourself for winter driving.

What you need to know and understand

• When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, pull as far right as possible and do not enter the next intersection until it passes.
• Farm equipment often travels at only 10 to 40 km/h from spring to late fall.
• If you cannot see a truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• Wildlife collision risk peaks at dawn and dusk, in May and June, and in late fall and early winter.
• New motorcyclists display a red L or green N placard.
• E-scooter riders must be at least 16 and wear a helmet, and e-scooters are allowed only where local bylaws permit.
• Never use cruise control on wet or slippery roads.

Vulnerable road users

• Cyclists: pass them as you would any other vehicle, with plenty of room. Do not cut in front of them when turning right, and check for them before opening your door.
• Motorcycles: allow at least a three-second following distance, and never share a lane with a motorcycle. Check twice before turning or changing lanes.
• Pedestrians: be ready to stop for anyone stepping out, but do not wave jaywalkers across, as other drivers may not expect it.
• E-scooters and e-bikes: treat e-bike riders like any cyclist, and know the local rules where e-scooters are allowed.

Big, slow and flashing vehicles

• Large trucks: keep out of their blind spots, the no-zone. After passing, move back only when you can see the whole cab in your inside mirror. Give trucks room to make wide right turns.
• Farm equipment and overwidth loads: expect them on highways and grid roads. Pass only when it is safe.
• Snow plows: stay well back. Slow to 60 km/h when passing stopped highway equipment with lights flashing.
• Emergency vehicles: pull right and stop if needed. At an intersection, stop and let them through. Never follow them.
• Funeral processions: do not interrupt them.

Wildlife and rural roads

Scan from shoulder to shoulder and slow down in areas marked with wildlife warning signs. At night, look for glowing eyes and use high beams where you can. If an animal appears suddenly, brake firmly and stay in control rather than swerving, which can put you into oncoming traffic or the ditch. If animals are being herded, slow down, wait for a signal and do not use your horn. Our guides to sharing Saskatchewan roads and to gravel and grid road driving go further.

Winter driving checklist

1. Check the Highway Hotline for road conditions and stay home if travel is not recommended.
2. Clear all snow and frost from windows, lights and the roof before driving.
3. Drive with headlights on and allow more than a three-second following distance.
4. Accelerate, brake and steer gently. Slow down before curves.
5. Carry a winter kit with a scraper, shovel, booster cables, warm clothing and, for longer trips, a sleeping bag, food and a charged phone.

Common mistakes

• Cutting in front of a truck right after passing it.
• Swerving to avoid a deer and losing control.
• Following an emergency vehicle to get through traffic.
• Using cruise control on icy highways.

Test yourself: Sharing the road and winter driving in Saskatchewan

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Sharing Saskatchewan Roads
• SGI Driver’s Handbook Study Guide
• Saskatchewan Gravel and Grid Road Driving for New Drivers