Use these basic tips to keep your cool and stay safe in winter driving conditions. Search for products, images, marketing materials or information about western products. To ensure winter services can be performed safely, crews should be adequately. The plows make the roads passable and reduce the risk of getting stuck in snow. First, snowplow drivers are driving in conditions that limit their visibility. Do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line several trucks plowing side by side. Nov 22, 2019 never pass a snow plow on the right and only on the left when it is safe and legal to do so. Sheriffs lieutenant on the scene says the plow driver slowed for the stop sign at the tracks on county road 151 west, but did not stop. Most illinois municipalities have the proper equipment and employees to safely remove snow and ice from streets. So how can you safely make sure that yourself or others are not harmed during this process. Cold, snow and ice are demanding on cars, drivers and passengers. When drivers attempt to pass a plow truck, they put themselves, their passengers, the snow plow operator and other.
If you cant see the plow driver, there is a good chance the driver cant see you. A driver in a van did not have time to stop and slid into the plow, totaling the van but thankfully resulting in no injuries. Dec 30, 2018 for your safety and theirs, stay at least four vehicle lengths behind and never pass a working plow until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass. Stay home when the snow gets bad, even if that means taking a personal day. If a significant amount of snow is expected, plow with the snowfall and not after it has all accumulated. Keep your distance, dont assume plow drivers can see you. This makes it hard for the driver to see anyone along the road. Ten snow plowing safety reminders the snowplow blogger. Snow plow drivers need training too traffic school online. You own a snow blower to make life easier in winter, but sometimes you simply cant avoid winters worst, especially once youre out of your driveway and on the road.
The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause. See our fleet safety guide, for a sample program that can easily be adapted specifically for snow plow drivers. Snowplows tend to travel at a lower rate of speed than other vehicles, so be sure slow down if you see one in front of you. This allows you to travel on a plowed road rather than a snowy, slippery road.
Follow these recommendations for driving with snow plows from the massachusetts department of transportation for safe winter driving. If you hear beeps signaling the truck is backing up, be aware. Equipment hazards plowing safety photo courtesy rtv6 a snow plow driver was airlifted to a local hospital after driving his truck into the path of an oncoming train. Our eyes are on the road, the snow, potential obstacles and dangers. Jan 07, 2020 get home safely with these winter driving safety tips. Snow plow safety is something that every plow owner needs to be familiar with. Winter driving safety tips when temperatures drop and the roads begin to freeze, even the most familiar route can become treacherous. The drivers field of vision is severely restricted behind the truck, and the driver must rely on mirrors to see to the rear and side of the truck. It might be a while, but at least you will arrive safely. Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
Doturn on your head and tail lights during heavy snow or rain, even during the day. As a fellow driver on the road or as a kid having fun in the snow, its important to be aware of the risks posed by snow plow snow removal. If the weather is bad remember, ice and snow, take it slow, or just dont go. By following these tips and advice, youll be ready for winter driving. Indot wants you and your family to stay safe on the roads this winter. Snow plow safety driving in hazardous weatherroad conditions to clear snow and ice accumulations from road and bridge surfaces so that the motoring public can travel safely around our communities can create special driving risks for our members employees. The blowing, drifting snow mixed with the slick pavement provides for hazardous conditions. The plow itself can obstruct the drivers view of the road.
For your safety and theirs, stay at least four vehicle lengths behind and never pass a working plow until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass. Snowplow operators will pull over when it is safe to do so to allow traffic buildup to pass. If you cannot see the taillights of the driver in front of. This snow plow video will educate operators on achieving safety. Always get a good nights rest before operating a vehicle. Snow plow safety safety toolbox talks meeting topics. Shoveling snow is just another household chore, right. Dont let cold, snowy weather get the best of you if you need to use your car. Remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud. Due to several recent collisions involving snow plows in bc, the ministry of transportation would like. Be vigilant about keeping at least three car lengths between you and the driver in front of you. As one of the more dangerous lines of work, we want to offer a few safety tips for the workers who operate these snow plows, as well as for drivers and pedestrians who may be out in the weather while the snow plows are operating.
Here are some important rules for equipment and snowplow driver safety. Safety toolbox talk topic meeting for snow plow drivers with tips on getting everyone home safely during the bad weather. For more safety tips, visit the livsecure security. Driving on snow and icecovered roads can be challenging even for the most experienced drivers in the bestprepared vehicles. Before driving, always brush all snow and ice off your vehicle. And if you absolutely, positively have to drive in the snow, be prepared for bad road conditions. This quick reference guide highlights snow removalsnow plow safety practices. Snow plow drivers need training too in states where snow might fall every winter, but is unlikely to do so, municipalities need to keep snow plows on hand to handle the white stuff. When temperatures drop and the roads begin to freeze, even the most familiar route can become treacherous.
If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel. Snow plow safety is something that every snow plow driver must be aware of. This quick reference guide highlights snow removal snow plow safety practices. If possible, try to plow during low traffic hours and be cautious of pedestrians, domestic animals, and other vehicles. Although a maximum time of 10 hours of operation is the. Needless to say, a snowplow operators attention cannot be distracted for a single moment. Get home safely with these winter driving safety tips. This will prevent it from accidentally catching on the curb. A driver in a van did not have time to stop and slid into the plow. Snow plow safety tips from the bc transportation ministry.
Nationwide, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year. But before you tackle the first snowfall of the season, take some time to read these safety snow shoveling tips to help avoid any potential injuries. This will reduce the chance of catching a curb or a snowbank that could pull. However, drivers need to keep safety at the front of their mind when sharing the road with snowplows. Tips for avoiding these 4 road obstructions safelite. That is why passing a snow plow can be extremely dangerous. As the winter season heats up, as you jump in the cab of your truck and put your plow on the road, remember these safety tips to keep you, your truck and your plow safe this plowing season. The wing plow blades of any given truck can extend 2 to 10 feet. Snow plows are built to remove large volumes of snow and ice and that means were packing alot of weight.
You can have studded snow tires, chains and a winter survival kit, miller said, but theres no way you can make your car. When transporting a snowplow, angle the blade to the right toward the curb. Jan 26, 2012 snow plow safety tips for transporting a plow. Here are some other safety tips from adot snowplow drivers.
While you may want to avoid a snow plow because of its slow speeds, when weather conditions are poor, its not a bad idea to stay behind the plow at a safe distance. Safety tips for snow removal using heavy or compact equipment. When the driveway and walkways are coated in a thick blanket of snow, it is time to get a shovel out for what some consider to be a dreaded chore. Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if youre experiencing any of them. For the crews responsible for operating these giant machines there is. Most importantly, extreme winter weather can threaten your life. Snowplow safety texas department of transportation. Drivers need to keep a few facts about snowplows in mind to be safe. Txdot snowplow operators are extremely safety conscious, but they need your help. Three simple snowplow safety tips to help you stay safe this winter.
For the crews responsible for operating these giant machines there is not much time for them to get onthejob training. Lmccs world renowned safety expert will provide viewers with some useful snowplow safety tips with the help of victorias public works. Its important to follow these safety tips for driving in the snow. Txdot snowplow operators are extremely safetyconscious, but they need your help. While driving on public roads with a plow attached to your vehicle, remember to. With so much at stake, snow removal vehicle operators must take responsibility by keeping track of their own safety out on the road.
Never assume a snowplow operator knows you are nearby. Snow plow safety, snow plow training video youtube. Check out our dont crowd the plow television and radio public service announcements. Snow plow safety this quick reference guide highlights snow removal and snow plow safety practices. Winter driving safety tips for drivers colorado is a beautiful place but the weather can change pretty quickly. Snowplow driver offers safety tips jennifer mckee gazette state bureau. Follow these tips to keep snow plow operators safe on the job this winter. Snow plow safety was created by safety toolbox talk webmaster snow plow safety is something that every snow plow driver must be aware of. Both ice and snow reduce the amount of traction you have, making it harder to get moving, steer, and stop. Snowplows are big trucks with big blades pushing billowing snow. Plows will typically travel under 35 miles per hour and there is always a temptation to pass them.
Snowplow safety training michigan technological university. While most people wont have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. Safety tips for snow removal using heavy or compact equipment adequate visibility, daily checks, training and more are essential to keep operators and bystanders safe during snow removal with. Jan 20, 2015 snow plow driver safety steve wagner jan 20, 2015 as the nasty weather drags on, road workers are put at risk every day while they attempt to prepare, protect, and clear the roads so civilian drivers and pedestrians can be safe and enjoy easier commutes. In part two, we will offer safety tips to keep in mind if you operate a plow during the winter. Aug 26, 2010 with so much at stake, snow removal vehicle operators must take responsibility by keeping track of their own safety out on the road.
Stay back at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and a plow. Snow plow safety is something that every plow owner needs to be familiar with, especially if you own and operate a landscaping or snow removal service. Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Are there any rules, regulations or requirements for how many hours a day a municipal worker with a cdl can plow a highway. Western snowplows scroll down to see the full line of western snow plows, or use the filters to narrow your search for snow plows and other products. Its purpose is to help prevent personal injury to employees, as well as to protect the general public from injury or property damage. Winter driving everyone should be cautious about traveling in extreme winter weather. Snow plows can be quite dangerous if youre unsure how to drive with them. So, in order mitigate some of the risk, ensure you adopt and implement a driver safety plan. Do not park or abandon your vehicle on snow emergency routes.
It is imperative to your safety and everyone elses safety that you take your time and drive slowly in now. Winter driving safety tips tips for driving in the snow and ice. When coming up on a snowplow, give them lots of space and just relax. When you see a snow plow, salt or sand truck on the road, please proceed with caution. Alyssa turcotte in part one of our twopart snow removal safety blog series, we provided safety tips for those who opt to remove snow with a snow blower as opposed to a shovel. Helpful tips, howto guides, and answers to frequently asked questions. There is no written requirement for municipal snow plow operators, but if a driver crashes, the amount of time they have been driving may be an important point if there is any liability or legal issues involved. Stay back and let them safely do their job of clearing the road for you. Jan 25, 2017 so, in order mitigate some of the risk, ensure you adopt and implement a driver safety plan. Safety for snow plow drivers insights newsletters loss control. State law states that if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed.
It is very difficult for a snowplow driver to see a small car zipping around them close to their mirrors in heavy snow. Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. Itd hosts media event to promote safety around response. Way more information than you ever wanted on how to fell a tree. The other danger is that the snowplow driver may not be able to see you. Here are tips to be prepared for driving conditions in the winter months. But before you tackle the first snowfall of the season, take some time to read these safety snow shoveling tips to. Accidents are not only devastating for the driver on an emotional level, they can also cost the municipality. Get to know your snow plow driver during winter weather events, public works crews work overnight plowing and salting 166 miles of roads farther than the distance from lombard to madison, wi. Jan 26, 2015 a snow plow driver may have restricted vision, so you may see them before they see you.
Be cautious whenever you see them, give them a lot of room and follow the three tips below. Winter driving can be treacherous, but sometimes, its unavoidable. Snow plow safety is something every snow plow driver must be aware of. May 17, 2017 due to several recent collisions involving snow plows in bc, the ministry of transportation would like to remind drivers to be more careful around snow plows, especially on the coquihalla highway where the collisions occurred. Vehicles pass by itd workers and isp troopers every day on state highways or the interstate at 6080 mph or more. A snow plow driver often has low visibility during storms or when plowing because snow is constantly flying onto the windshield. Snow plowing safety tips for homeowners, snow removal. Get to know your snow plow driver, their favorite safety tips, and some funny stories theyve experienced below. You can have studded snow tires, chains and a winter survival kit, miller said. The goal of the bulletin is to prevent personal injury to operators and to protect the general public from injury or property damage. But like anything that involves driving in snow and ice, it can be dangerous. Keep the plow as far off the ground as possible without blocking the headlights or your vision.
There are no laws prohibiting drivers from passing a snow plow on the road, but it is extremely dangerous to do so. Itd will have a highway maintenance snow plow driver, a port of entry officer and an idaho state police trooper available to talk to reporters about the best way to stay safe when encountering highway response vehicles and snow plows. Remember that the road in front of the plow is usually in much worse condition than the roadway behind the plow. While driving in winter conditions always poses a certain amount of risk, there are a number of steps that can be implemented to keep yourself and your family safe during the winter months. When considering snow plow safety, it doesnt only apply to the snow plow operators. Snow plow safety safety toolbox talks forum safety. Winter driving safety tips tips for driving in the snow. Snowplows weigh four times more than the average car, and a collision with one can be deadly. Nov 07, 2019 itd will have a highway maintenance snow plow driver, a port of entry officer and an idaho state police trooper available to talk to reporters about the best way to stay safe when encountering highway response vehicles and snow plows.
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