Providing an extra lane for passing vehicles on the highway, passing lanes can prevent dangerous driving when used properly. The new passing lanes between Regina and Weyburn on Highway 6 are now in use, but some drivers are not using them properly.

According to Doug Wakabayashi with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, passing lanes are meant to be used like a four-lane, divided highway. Drivers should keep to the right, pull into the left-hand lane to pass, pulling back into the right-hand lane when they're done.

He said the signs provide lots of advance notice for drivers as to when the passing lanes start and end.

"In addition, in between sets of passing lanes, there will also be some signage that tells drivers how far they have to go before they get another opportunity to pass. So, that tends to limit the amount of aggressive driving you see because drivers have some indication of the next opportunity they'll have to pass safely," explained Wakabayashi.

He said drivers need only to follow the signs and painted lines to properly utilize the passing lanes.

He said the Ministry has received positive feedback from drivers, municipal leaders and first responders regarding other passing lanes built in the province, such as along Highway 10, northeast of Regina.