Large trucks

The large truck is a special vehicle. Its motor is not much larger than a large car engine and yet the load it carries can be 50 or more times the weight of a car. When accelerating up to speed, truck drivers use up to 18 gear changes. Once they get into top gear, they do not appreciate having to start again. Therefore, avoid forcing a truck driver to slow down.

Large trucks will decrease speed when going uphill. You can expect truck drivers to pick up speed when going down hills to help them get up the other side. Plan your passing manoeuvre accordingly.

It takes longer to stop a large truck than a car, so a truck driver needs a longer following distance to be safe and in control. Don't cut in front of a large truck immediately after you have passed it.

Truck drivers have problems seeing smaller vehicles. Although they have mirrors that help them to see each side, you may not be visible to the driver if you follow too closely. (Besides, you can't see anything yourself.) Realize that in poor weather, exterior mirrors become spotted with rain and dirt and the truck driver doesn't have an interior mirror. Be sure to make yourself visible. Drive with your headlights on.

The driver of a large truck or bus has difficulty turning sharp corners, particularly to the right. If the driver follows the proper procedure, vehicles facing them on the street they are entering should be prepared for the large truck or bus to enter their half of the roadway. If the large truck operator is not following the proper procedure, vehicles on their right in the street they are leaving should stay well back to avoid being crushed between the large truck and the curb. When you see a large truck or bus making a sharp right turn, give it the room it needs.

All drivers should avoid a large truck's "no-zone." The no-zone refers to the blindspot areas around big trucks, where crashes are most likely to occur. Just like cars, large trucks have blindspots on both sides, but a large truck's are considerably bigger. These blindspots can mean trouble if a trucker decides to change lanes and a car is in the blindspot. In addition to the blindspots on the sides of a large truck, drivers should be careful around the front end of large trucks.

Truckers sit up high and the hood of the cab obscures part of the road ahead. This is why when drivers in a car are passing a large truck, they should make sure they can see the entire truck cab in their rear-view mirror before pulling in front. If a car cuts in too soon, truck drivers are forced to react with little time or room to spare. Large trucks also have deep rear blindspots. A good rule of thumb is that if you can't see the large truck's mirrors, the truck driver can't see you.

Snow plows

• Slow down - stay back and stay alive when you approach the mini blizzard created by a snow plow.
• Every winter, snow plows are hit by motorists who don't see them or see them too late. The vast majority of these incidents are rear‐end collisions where motorists have failed to adjust to changing road and weather conditions.
• Snow plow operators are working in difficult weather conditions on the highways to clear snow and ice and make the roads safer for all motorists.
• Drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing snow plows or other highway equipment that are stopped on the highway with blue and amber warning lights flashing.
• Snow plows that are in motion, can be passed on the highway if it's safe to do so. Drivers in this case are not limited to travelling 60 km/h.
• Snow plows must travel slower than average traffic when clearing snow and spreading salt and sand. Be patient and proceed with caution.
• Plows pull over about every 10 km to allow drivers to pass. Wait and pass when it is safe to do so.
• Ministry of Highways crews clear major highways within six hours of the end of a storm to make winter driving safe. Please give them room to work safely.

Snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts

If snowmobiles and ATVs were always operated according to the law, there would be little chance of conflict with other vehicles on the streets and highways. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

Snowmobiles are difficult to see because they are small and low. These features, accompanied by exposure to weather, also make it difficult for the snowmobile operator to see. As snowmobiles are useful in storms, they're likely to be out when visibility is poor.

Also, children with little road experience operate snowmobiles and ATVs. When you see a snowmobile or ATV, anticipate that it may cross the road suddenly or go out of control, and decide how you will react.

In some municipalities, local bylaws allow snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts to be operated on the street.

Emergency vehicles

All emergency vehicles (fire engines, police vehicles, ambulances, and emergency vehicles that have been designated by a municipality or the Highway Traffic Board to be used in response to an emergency) have the right of way when displaying flashing lights and using sirens (sound devices).

• When approached by an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing or sirens engaged, you must immediately drive as closely as possible to the right edge of the roadway and not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if a peace officer gives you other directions. On one-way streets, pull right or left to the nearest curb.
• At an intersection, you must stop and let the emergency vehicle through the intersection, unless given other directions by a peace officer. If the emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, but no siren engaged, motorists in the vicinity should extend the same privilege as previously mentioned while meeting or being overtaken by the emergency vehicle.
• When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the highway with its emergency lights in operation, you must slow down to 60 km/h when passing it. This does not apply to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. However, this does apply when travelling in the opposite direction on an undivided highway.
• Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle going to, or coming from, an emergency.

Farm equipment and overwidth vehicles

Saskatchewan's agricultural base means that farm equipment such as combines, tractors, large cultivators, etc. may be on highways and grid roads from early spring until late fall.

These vehicles create a hazard, as they travel very slowly - 10 to 40 km/h. Therefore, you may come upon them very quickly and you'll need to stop or change lanes rapidly. Watch for them on the road and only pass them if it's safe to do so. If needed, you can also find an approach to stop on or pull to the right edge of the roadway to allow the machinery to pass.

School buses

School bus drivers have a difficult job. There are plenty of distractions inside the bus. Knowing this, you should make extra allowances, and be aware of the possibility that the bus driver may not see you or your signals. Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of crash involving school buses and are usually caused by another driver failing to stop while the bus is loading or unloading passengers.

When approaching a school bus, if you see amber flashing lights, slow down and proceed with caution. If the red flashing lights are activated, you must come to a complete stop. If you're approaching the bus from the opposite direction on an undivided highway, you must also stop. The single greatest threat to the safety of children who ride school buses is motorists who pass the bus when children are loading or unloading.

When approaching a bus that has its stop arm out and its red flashing lights activated, as a driver:

• You must stop no closer than 5 m (15 ft.) from the front or back of the bus.
• You must not advance your vehicle until the bus driver turns off the flashing red stop lamps and deactivates the stop arm.
• Before moving, check to see that all children have safely crossed the roadway.

Motorcycles

When a motorcycle and a four-wheel vehicle collide, the motorcyclist is at a high risk for being killed or severely injured. Since motorcycles are more agile than cars, their actions are more difficult to predict and their size makes them hard to see.

Most motorcycles are wired so that their headlights are on at all times, making it easier for you to see them. Be alert for motorcycles that don't have their headlights on. During motorcycle season, check twice before making a lane change or turn - once for cars and trucks, and once for motorcycles and bikes.

When passing a motorcycle, ensure you leave adequate distance ahead of the motorcycle before you pull back in to the lane. Failure to leave sufficient room can be extremely dangerous for the motorcyclist.

The same three-second following distance should be given to motorcycles as is given to other vehicles. Following too closely may cause a motorcycle rider's attention to be distracted from the road and traffic ahead.

Motorcyclists are allowed to ride two abreast but most riders prefer to have a full lane width. A skilled motorcyclist is constantly changing positions within a lane to increase his ability to see and be seen, and to avoid objects on the road. Never move into the same lane beside a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide and the motorcyclist is riding to one side. It is not only illegal, it's extremely hazardous. When overtaking a motorcycle or bicycle in your lane, you must pass in the same manner as you would pass a car.

Bad weather and slippery surfaces cause greater problems for motorcycles than for cars. Allow more following distance for motorcycles when the road surface is wet and slippery. These conditions create stability problems.

Being aware of these situations can help you share the road safely with all cyclists.

New motorcyclists are required to display a Motorcycle Graduated Driver Licensing (MGDL) placard on their licence plate identifying them as new riders. Learners are required to display a red 'L' placard and Novice riders must display green 'N' placards. Please use caution when passing or following a new rider and give them plenty of space.

Bicycles

Bicycles are vehicles too and entitled to their share of the road. More people are using them for transportation, recreation, physical fitness, and to reduce emissions. Cyclists must obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles.

Bike lanes are reserved for cyclists. Sometimes motor vehicles will need to enter or cross a bike lane to turn right at a corner or driveway. Take extra care when you do this. Enter the bike lane only after ensuring that you can do so safely, and then make the turn.

When you're sharing the road with cyclists please remember:

• Pass a cyclist like you would any other vehicle. Give them room. Do not pass too closely.
• Watch for cyclists' hand signals. A cyclist may indicate a right-hand turn by extending their right arm. If possible, try to make eye contact with cyclists.
• When turning left, you must stop and wait for oncoming bicycles to pass before turning.
• When driving through an intersection, be careful to scan for cyclists waiting to turn left.
• When you're preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up alongside your vehicle. Check your blind spots.
• When making a right turn, do not pull up beside a cyclist and then turn directly in front of them and cut them off.
• When pulling away from the curb always check for cyclists.
• When parked at the curb, always check for cyclists when you open your vehicle door.
• Give cyclists space with a safe following distance. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they're slowing or stopping.
• Cyclists are entitled to make left turns the same way as motorists. Since they’re vulnerable on left turns, they will need extra consideration, especially on multi-lane roads.
• It's easy to misjudge the speed of bicycles — they can travel faster than you think! Experienced cyclists can travel at 25-35 km/h on a flat surface and up to 50 km/h going downhill.
• Cyclists, unlike other vehicles, may intermittently steer away from road hazards such as drainage grates, potholes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist.
• Don't unnecessarily use your horn when you're passing a cyclist. It may frighten them and cause them to steer into your path.

There's also a class of bicycle called power-assisted bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes or electric bicycles and many are designed to look like scooters equipped with pedals. These types of vehicles use an electric motor to provide assistance to the operator. Treat them the same way you would any other cyclist. For more information on e-bikes, please call our Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).

E-scooters

E-scooters (also known as electric kick scooters or electric scooters) are known as limited speed motor vehicles and are permitted in communities, towns, or cities that have specific e-scooter bylaws in place. To see if they’re legal in your community, please reach out to your municipality directly.

E-scooters don’t need to be registered and don’t require a driver’s licence, but users must be at least 16 years old, wear an approved helmet, follow all municipal laws and provincial regulations and legislation.

If e-scooters are allowed on public roads in a community, motor vehicle drivers and other road users must learn to share the road with e-scooters. It’s important to know the rules within each community that you drive in. For more information on e-scooters, please visit www.sgi.sk.ca/e-scooters or call our Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).

Tow trucks and vehicles rendering assistance on the roadside

When a vehicle used exclusively for towing or rendering assistance is stopped on a roadside with its amber or amber and blue lights flashing to help a disabled vehicle, drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing. This doesn't apply to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. However, this does apply when travelling in the opposite direction on an undivided highway.

Funeral processions

Funeral processions have special privileges and should not be interfered with or obstructed. If other drivers give up the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection, the funeral process may proceed as long as it is safe to do so. They must, however, obey all traffic signs and signals.