2011 news releases

For major announcements, decisions, projects or campaigns, SGI circulates news releases to Saskatchewan media.

City and SGI partner to encourage winter safety

Nov. 10, 2011

The City of Regina and SGI are reminding drivers to be careful on the roads. Winter driving conditions contribute to collisions, so it’s important for drivers to be cautious. Last winter alone, 114 people were injured in collisions, and there were nearly 18,000 collision claims in the city, resulting in a cost of $40 million in vehicle damage.

City Snowfighters are the City crews who keep our roads clear and safe through the winter. City Snowfighters are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the worst storms. The rest of the winter, they work 20 hours a day, seven days a week to maintain the streets. Snow plows are large and powerful machines, and it’s important to pay attention to them when driving.

Mayor Pat Fiacco said, “Our crews work hard to keep our roads clear and safe, so let’s make sure to keep the City Snowfighters safe too. Please slow down. Please stay a safe distance away. And please be cautious around our snow plows.”

“The most important thing to remember when driving during winter is to slow down,” said Kwei Quaye, Assistant Vice President of Traffic Safety Services at SGI. “Leave more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you have more time to stop. And give yourself more time to get to your destination, so you won’t be tempted to drive faster than is safe.”

The City’s Snow Plan detailing a priority road-clearing system is available on regina.ca along with up-to-date snow clearing information. Visit our Winter driving preparations page for more safe winter driving tips.

While City Snowfighters are out clearing the streets, all residents are encouraged to join them as neighbourhood Snowfighters by keeping sidewalks clear all winter.