Winter has hit its stride here in Minnesota with the weather has come over 25 crashes involving snow plows. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations.
“The main causes of these crashes are motorists driving too fast for conditions, driving too close to the plow and driver inattention,” said Todd Stevens, acting state maintenance engineer. “Our snowplow drivers are well-trained to operate their plows, which often travel much slower than the posted speeds because it is most effective for clearing roads. For safety’s sake, motorists need to be patient and stay back from the plow.”
A driver's view is restricted by the cab, so they must rely on their mirrors.
“The safest place you can be is well behind the snowplow and away from the snow cloud it creates,” Stevens said. “The road is clear behind the plow but not necessarily in front of it, so in most cases it makes sense to travel behind the plow.”
Minnesota law requires motorists to turn on their headlights when it’s snowing or at any other time when weather conditions impair visibility.
