Safety When Driving Around Snowplows
Keeping the roads safe for motorists is hard work for snowplow drivers and sometimes the snowplow itself ends up being a hazard.
The following are some tips when driving near snowplows:
- Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit, so allow plenty of time to slow down when traveling behind a snowplow.
- Never travel beside a snowplow. If they hit a pack or drift of snow they can shift sideways.
- Sometimes snowplows need to take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles, so always use caution when approaching, following or passing a snowplow.
- Plows are wider than most vehicles and portions of the plow can become obscured by snow. Before attempting to pass a snowplow, always check the direction of the snow discharge to avoid snow and debris being thrown.
- Stay back at least 15 car lengths (200 ft.) from a snowplow. They can turn and exit the road frequently and may stop abruptly. In addition they usually spread anti-icing materials from the back of the truck.
Never break suddenly in front of a snowplow or any other larger moving vehicle. They have a longer stopping distance.
Premier Safety Solutions
Maryland Construction Safety Consultants
PO Box 353
Taneytown, MD 21787
410-346-8060
MBE/DBE MDOT Certified.
WBE Baltimore City.
SWaM Certified – Virginia.