Leave room for snowplows

Heavy snow can arrive anytime now for Wisconsin, which means snowplows and salt trucks will be out in full force.

The DOT and Gov. Tony Evers remind drivers to slow down in the presence of snow plows and leave room for them to do their jobs. If possible, avoid traveling at all during inclement weather.

Before traveling, call 511 or get the 511 Wisconsin app to check weather conditions.

When driving, buckle up and don’t use phones.

Be sure to leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and others, especially plows and work trucks. Slippery conditions mean it will take longer for vehicles to stop. Most winter crashes are caused by motorists going too fast.

Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to see the plow’s mirrors. If you can’t, the plow driver can’t see you, and you’re too close.

If passing is preferred, be careful. Snowplows create a cloud of snow that obscures vision. Also remember that the road will be worse in front of the plow versus behind it.

Don’t rely on four-wheel or all-wheel drive; they can help in snow but not on slippery surfaces. Go slow and leave plenty of distance between vehicles when driving in these conditions, no matter what you are driving.

During winter storms, postpone or cancel trips. Stranded motorists and vehicles create additional hazards on already treacherous roadways. They also make it more difficult for crews to remove snow and salt the road.

County highway workers help keep state highways clear by providing plowing, salting and liquid applications. This partnership dates back for more than 100 years, and applies to all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.