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Don’t crowd the plow

Tom Sorel

Bismarck

During the winter month’s one of the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s most important jobs is to maintain the state highways for motorists. Driving conditions have been exceptionally difficult this winter due to severe weather and several snow events.

So far this season, there have been 26 snowplow crashes where a motor vehicle ran into a snowplow. These types of crashes are extremely dangerous for both the motorist and the plow driver. These crashes can be avoided if drivers just follow some winter driving guidelines.

– Slow down and drive for conditions

– Stay at least five car lengths or more back from a working plow

– Never drive through whiteouts or snow fog

– Most of all please be patient because our operators are out there making the roads safe for everyone.

It’s not worth risking your life or the life of our crew so you can get to your destination a few minutes earlier.

Drivers also need to be aware that snowplows have limited visibility, especially to the rear of the plow, making it difficult for operators to see motorists that are following too closely.

Many of today’s plows are made to cover a larger area of roadway to more efficiently clear snow, but this also means they take up more room than ever before. In fact, our fleet’s tow plows can clear two lanes at one-time which also means their wing may be in the driving lane and they could be creating snow fog. This makes it challenging or even impossible for vehicles to navigate around them.

Please remember, snowplows are out working to improve the conditions for the public and we want everyone to get home safe at the end of the day, so please give them room to do their job and don’t crowd the plow!

Sorel is director of the DOT in North Dakota.

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