Remember to make room for snowplows
Snowplows clear streets in this screengrab from a DOT video about winter driving safety. The DOT asks motorists to be extra careful as snowplows work to clear snow and ice this winter. (DOT screenshot)
The snow will fly eventually, meaning plows will be out to remove snow and drop sand and salt.
Drivers can make the whole process faster and safer by giving plows ample room to work. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation advises motorists to leave plenty of space between their vehicles and snowplows. If possible, stay off the roads completely until they are plowed.
According to the DOT, workers are responsible for clearly nearly 115,000 miles of roadway in Wisconsin after every snowfall. In the last 10 years, there were almost 3,400 crashes involving snowplows. Those incidents resulted in four deaths, and 533 were injured. Most crashes occurred when a plow was rear-ended or struck by another motorist who was traveling too fast for conditions.
State law requires that drivers leave at least 200 feet between themselves and a plow that is clearing ice or snow or dropping sand or salt. This rule applies to streets with a speed limit of more than 35 mph. On streets with slower speeds, it’s best to leave at least 75 feet between you and the plow.
Remember to slow down in general for snow. Allow for extra travel time, leave more space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
If you absolutely must pass a plow, be absolutely certain that it’s safe, but remember that road conditions ahead of the plow are worse than those behind it. Also realize that plows kick of clouds of snow, which can impede your ability to see ahead.
If traveling is necessary during inclement weather, call 511 first to check road conditions. Be sure to have a fully charged phone and emergency kit in your vehicle.
When driving in snow and other weather conditions, always buckle up and don’t use the phone.
