With most of Airdrie and the surrounding areas dealing with foggy conditions throughout most of Wednesday, the coming days in the first week of January may also bring snow and frigid temperatures.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, snow may begin this weekend, on Saturday and continue on and off throughout the weekend. It is too early to predict how much snow will accumulate but with temperatures ranging from minus six Degrees Celsius to a very chilly -19 degrees, it is sufficient to say that the snow will not melt anytime soon. 

Motorists are advised to prepare for winter driving conditions over the next few days, including to remember that passing a snowplow is not allowed when:

  • the view along the side of the snowplow is obstructed
  • passing would impede the operation of the snowplow
  • the act of passing cannot be done safely

"Patience is key. Operators will let you pass every 5 to 8 kilometres, or when it is safe to do so," The Government of Alberta states on its website. "Drivers who fail to comply with the new rules could receive a $324 fine and three demerits."

RCMP has also previously cautioned motorists to slow down in winter driving conditions, especially when it is likely that more emergency vehicles will be operating on the roads. In September, the province passed an amendment, which states that drivers in the lane closest to any roadside worker vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing must slow down to 60 km/h.

This law applies to all emergency responders as well as tow truck drivers and snow plow operators.

Statistics provided by the province show that during the winter of 2022-23, there were 37 collisions involving a government-contracted snowplow. Between March 2018 and March 2021, there were approximately 130 collisions involving snowplows contracted by Transportation and Economic Corridors.

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