Use Caution When Driving Near Snowplows

Even though it is unlikely to see snowplows in the Phoenix Metro area, motorists travelling to the high country should be careful around these vehicles.

Although snowplow drivers work hard to decrease dangerous winter driving conditions and keep roads safe for motorists, sometimes the snowplow itself ends up being a hazard.

According to the Department of Transportation, most snowplow accidents fall into the following categories:

• Rear-end collisions from other vehicles
• Side swipes
• Collisions with fixed objects
• Sliding off the road

Efforts are ongoing to improve approach warning signals for other drivers and make operating vehicles safer, but snowplow collisions continue to occur.  Various departments of transportation offer the following tips for driving near snowplows:

• Use caution when approaching, following or passing a snowplow.  Anti-icing materials usually are spread from the back of the truck, and snowplows may need to stop or take evasive actin to avoid stranded vehicles.
• Do not crowd a snowplow. They trun and exit the road frequently, and may stop abruptly.  Stay back at least 15 car lengths, or 200 feet.
• When traveling behind a snowplow, allow plenty of time to slow down.  Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit.
• Do not brake suddenly in front of a snowplow.  Larger moving vehicles like snowplows have longer stopping distances.
• Do not travel beside a snowplow.  They can shift sideways if they hit a snowpack or snowdrift.
• Before attempting to pass a snowplow, check the direction of snow discharge to avoid snow and debris thrown from equipment that might decrease visibility.  Plows are wider than most vehicles, and portions of the plow and blade can become obscured by swirling snow.