Driving conditions may change drastically

Road conditions in Airdrie and the surrounding areas may change drastically with the rapidly changing forecast that is predicted by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

According to weather forecasts, Wednesday afternoon will see periods of rain mixed with snow changing to snow later on in the day. By the evening, there is two to four centimetres of snow predicted to fall, with gusting winds up to 40 kilometres per hour late in the evening. The snow will continue through till Thursday late morning, with another two centimetres possibly accumulating.

With a forecast of rain and snow, motorists are reminded that road conditions may become icy in the evening hours, and there may be also reduced visibility with the gusting winds. Giving oneself extra time for commuting, as well as driving to road conditions will be tantamount. 

Motorists are also reminded that since September 1 of this year, there have been new traffic laws encompassing roadside workers. if a motorist is driving in the lane closest to any roadside worker vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing, drivers must slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower. Drivers must also move over to the far lane if it’s safe to do so and take reasonable steps to allow other drivers to move over as well.

One should also remember to not attempt to pass a snowplow 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

The new roadside worker safety rules now apply to all roadside workers, including first responders, tow truck operators, highway maintenance workers and snowplow operators. According to the province, failure to comply with these rules can result in a fine and three demerit points:

• $243 and three demerit points for failing to slow down to the maximum speed limit when passing stopped roadside workers.

• $243 fine and three demerit points for failing to allow other drivers to move into a traffic lane farther from a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside work vehicle.

• A fine of $324 and three demerit points for unsafe passing of snowplows.

While ECCC's weather forecast does not have any long-term predictions, Farmer's Alamanc extended weather forecast is predicting that there may also be flurries next week with mild temperatures while heading into the Christmas weekend, more snow may fall with very cold temperatures.  

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