Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet. Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.
US Department of Transportation – Road Weather Management Program
Winter driving can be challenging and stressful, especially when you encounter a snow plow on the road. Have you ever been stuck behind a snow plow on a winter road,? Have you wondered if you should pass it or not? If so, you are not alone.
Snow plows are absolutely essential for clearing the roads, making our roads safer in the end for drivers, but they can also pose some hazards if you try to pass them without caution. Many drivers face this sort of dilemma every year, and some make the wrong decision. That’s a choice that can lead to accidents and/or injuries.
Girl is an excellent winter driver, and I have never had a snow related accident. We would like to share some things to consider before you decide to pass a snow plow on a road or highway, so here are a few tips on how to safely pass a snow plow on the road.
And, in the end, you should always think twice before passing…
Check the road conditions
Wisdom comes with winters.
Oscar Wilde
The first thing you should consider before passing a plow is the condition of the road in front of the plow and the condition of the passing lane. The plow may be clearing snow and ice from the road, creating a contrast between the lanes. Transitioning from a clear surface to a snow covered road can cause the loss of control.
You should never pass a plow using a lane that is still snow covered or slippery, as you may lose control of your vehicle or collide with the plow. Wait until the road ahead and the passing lane are clear and dry before you attempt to pass.
If the passing lane is not clear, just don’t pass.
Keep a safe distance
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
Dr. Seuss
The second thing you should consider is the distance between your vehicle and the plow. You should keep a safe distance of at least five or six car lengths behind the plow, as recommended by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Do not tailgate or rush the plow, they may need to stop or swerve suddenly to avoid obstacles, or drop more salt. Snow and ice may also fly off the plow and hit your windshield, reducing your visibility and damaging your vehicle.
With that in mind, remember to get into the passing lane well back from the plow. The most dangerous moments for you will be as you begin to closely approach the plow, then are beside the plow, and the beyond the plow. If there is not a cleared lane in the road, stay behind, and well back from the plow.
Give them room to do their work!
Watch out for blind spots
We all have blind spots in our knowledge and opinions. The bad news is that they can leave us blind to our blindness, which gives us false confidence in our judgment and prevents us from rethinking.
Adam M. Grant – Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know
Blind spots driving are the same as the blind spots we have in other areas of our lives. Everyone has personal blind spots, they are just areas we can’t see or judge. It’s like not seeing the forest for the trees.
So, the third thing you should be aware of is the many blind spots of the plow, they are everywhere! Snow plows have large blind spots on both sides, and behind them. The the plow driver simply cannot see you in any of them.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, you should turn on your lights and make sure the plow driver can see you before attempting to pass. You can look for the plow driver’s mirror and make eye contact with them. Never pass a plow on the right side or in a non-legal passing area, as the plow may have wing blades that extend several feet on the side.
Beware of the plow blade
In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, Long ago.
Christina Rossetti
The fourth thing you should remember is the width of the plow blade can cause very real issues.
The plow blade is usually wider than the truck, and may extend several feet to the side, especially on the left. This means that the plow may take up more than one lane and/or cross the center line.
You should always give the plow plenty of wiggle room and do not ever cut back into the snow plow’s lane too quickly after passing. The Colorado Department of Transportation advises drivers to stay back at least 200 feet (about 16 car lengths) after passing a plow.
Be prepared for low visibility
I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
Mae West
The fifth and final thing you should consider is the visibility of the road ahead. Blowing snow can create severe problems.
The plow may create a cloud of snow that reduces your visibility and makes it hard to see the road ahead. You should slow down and be alert for any sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. You should also use your low beam headlights and windshield wipers to improve your visibility.
If there are whiteouts, strong winds, or heavy snowfall, it will likely be best to stay behind the plow until conditions improve. I know it can be kind of messy behind a plow, some throw snow a good distance in the air.
Just be patient, the plow will clear the way for you and other drivers, making the road safer and easier to navigate. You should always slow down and drive according to the weather conditions, as speed limits are intended for dry roads with good visibility.
Remember safety is first!
Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.
Andy Goldsworthy
Passing a snow plow on the road is not a decision to be taken lightly. It can be dangerous and risky, especially in winter conditions. You should always consider the road conditions, the distance, the blind spots, the plow blade, and the visibility before you decide to pass a plow. And, in the end, you should always think twice before passing.
Snow plows are there to make the roads safer for everyone, so please be patient and respectful of their work. Follow these tips on how to safely pass a snow plow on the road, and you will have a better chance of reaching your destination safely and smoothly.
As a cautionary tale, look up the tragic saga of Chris Street on Wikipedia. He was an Iowa Hawkeye, a basketball star, and potential NBA draft pick. On January 19, 1993, following a team dinner at the Highlander Inn outside of Iowa City, Chris Street suffered fatal injuries when his car collided with a snow plow.
Do not take unnecessary risks or endanger yourself or others, and always drive safely and carefully in winter conditions. By following these tips, you can pass a snow plow on the road safely, or simply decide not to pass at all, with both caution and care.
More Winter Driving Tips
So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending!
J.R.R. Tolkien
Of course snowplows aren’t the only thing making winter a dangerous season. Here are some general tips to help you travel safely in winter conditions:
- Before you go, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Plan your route and allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and has enough fuel, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Check your tires, battery, lights, and wipers. Carry an emergency kit with items such as a snow shovel, jumper cables, blankets, flashlight, and food.
- While driving, slow down and increase your following distance. Avoid using cruise control or sudden braking. Be alert and watch out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. Use your low beam headlights and windshield wipers to improve your visibility. If you encounter a skid, steer in the direction of the skid and do not panic.
- If you are stopped or stranded, stay with your vehicle and do not overexert yourself. Turn on your hazard lights and put bright markers on your antenna or windows. Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow and run your engine only occasionally to stay warm. Be careful of carbon monoxide poisoning and do not run your engine in an enclosed space or with the windows up. Call for help and wait for assistance.
Now is the winter of our discontent.
William Shakespeare
