Safe Driving Around Snow Plows
Stay Back.
Slow Down.
Be Patient.
Snow plow operators make our roads safer for everyone.
Stay safe this winter - help them do their job by following a few simple safety tips:
Stay Back
Be sure to leave enough space between you and the snow plow.
A good rule of thumb is to allow 10 car lengths between you and the plow since plowing creates a cloud of snow, which can decrease visibility and simulate whiteout conditions.
Slow Down
Snowplows travel at a slower speed; the most common crashes are motorists hitting the rear end of the plow. Slow down and stay back.
NEVER pass a Snow Plow!
It is extremely dangerous and could result in a severe or even fatal collision.
Remember - the road behind an active plow is always safer than the road ahead.
Be Patient
Crowding, tailgating or passing a snow plow can be very dangerous. A fully loaded plow truck cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly and has many blind spots. Don’t assume a snow plow operator can see you, especially if you are driving too close and visibility is poor, which is often the case.
PLAYING OUTSIDE? STAY AWAY FROM THE ROAD!
Always remember, drivers likely do not see you as well as you see their trucks.
Safety tips for kids:
- A snow plow driver often has low visibility during storms or when plowing because snow is constantly flying onto the windshield. This makes it hard for the driver to see anyone along the road.
- Never tunnel or build forts in the snowbanks along the side of the road. Drivers will not be able to see you, and if you’re in the tunnel, you could be “snowed in” when a truck plows next to you.
- Plows can throw large chunks of ice into ditches when plowing, and could hurt you pretty badly.