REGINA, Sask. — Saskatchewan highways are a little safer for drivers this winter, thanks to the expansion of the provincial government’s Night Rider program, according to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.

This enhanced surveillance program of high-traffic provincial highways is now based out of Moose Jaw this winter, and similar to three other Night Rider counterpart programs based out of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

“Our Night Riders this winter have come to the aid of a professional truck driver and have provided traffic accommodation to assist police at a collision. This extra set of eyes on the highway gives motorists an added sense of comfort, and helps the Ministry provide better winter maintenance service,” said Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard.

“Night Riders watch for snow and ice, abandoned vehicles, obstacles on the road surface, downed signs, or other highway-related problems on busy provincial corridors and either take care of the situation themselves, or contact other staff to address the situation as quickly as possible. This helps mitigate potential trouble spots overnight, that the morning commuter may never be aware of.”

The Night Rider winter program was first implemented in the fall of 2006, according to the Ministry. Each of these four bases of operations has one dedicated vehicle and operator who patrols a set area at night, seven days a week. During their patrols, the Night Riders watch for adverse road conditions, regularly provide updates for the Ministry’s Highway Hotline during their shifts, and give early warning information for regular snowplow operations starting early in the morning.

Motorists are encouraged to check the Highway Hotline before travelling either by using the interactive winter highway conditions map at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or by calling:  the service toll-free throughout Saskatchewan at 888-335-7623; via the SaskTel cellular network at *ROAD; in Regina and area at 306-787-7623; and in Saskatoon and area at 306-933-8333.