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HAZARD ALERT

Woods Roads Driving Safety

Driving on woods roads can present certain challenges. Co-operation between all users and owners/licensees is required to ensure safety on these roads. The following recommendations can help improve the safety of everyone using these roads.

For all users:

  • Posted speed limits must be respected. Slow down for special conditions such as dust, construction, heavy rain, heavy traffic, deteriorating road conditions, and poor visibility.
  • Dust remains suspended in the air, therefore reducing visibility considerably and for a long time. Slow down and leave a greater following distance, particularly when the vehicle being followed is moving equipment or hauling a flatbed trailer.

Clear communication is essential:

  • Preferred method is a CB radio.
  • Use channel 1, unless otherwise posted.
  • All vehicles involved in woodland operations should be equipped with a CB radio (thinning/planting vans).
  • CB radios are meant for important dialogue and should be used appropriately and politely.

The general public does not always realize the amount and type of traffic on these roads:

  • Do not stop in curves, blind areas or on bridges.
  • ATV drivers use caution when crossing roadways.
  • Woodland operations are constantly changing. Members of the public need to be vigilant at all times, even after dark and on weekends.
  • Headlights must be on at all times. [General Regulation 91-191, section 363]

  • Truckers must ensure that their loads are properly secured when traveling on these roads. [General Regulation 91-191, section 364]
  • The MVA applies not only to public roads but also to woodland roads with public access. Therefore, respect for legislation, such as seatbelts, speeding, driving sober, vehicle inspection and transport of dangerous good is an obligation.
  • Vehicles of ≥ 1 ton capacity must be equipped with an audible back-up alarm. [General Regulation 91-191, paragraph 230.21(1)(f)]

For licensees / owners:

  • Kilometre postings should be present on all major roads to enhance clear communication and facilitate emergency services.
  • Bridges and curves must have proper signage to allow sufficient reaction time. [General Regulation 91-191, paragraphs 360(2)(b,c), 361(1)(b,c), and section 362]
  • Company, block number and contractors should identify work areas.
  • When the road is narrow, sufficient numbers of widened areas must be available for two-way traffic and pull-offs.[General Regulation 91-191, paragraph 360(2)(a)]
  • Where visibility is reduced by vegetation and can become dangerous, it should be cut back.
  • Road construction, repair and grading should be posted using proper signage. [General Regulation 91-191, subsections 91(1),91(2) and 93(2)]

  • Roads must be kept in a safe condition. [General Regulation 91-191, paragraph 360(2)(d)] In the summer, this means grading when necessary as well as spreading calcium or water.

January 2004

1 800 999-9775