The road in front of the plow is in worse condition than the road behind the plow. Because of this, they travel under 35 miles per hour. Ignore the temptation to speed past the plow and stay a safe distance behind the snowplows.
Driving near plows
- Drive slowly.
- Don't crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
- Be prepared for sudden stops.
- Remember that visibility in front of the plow is often worse. Turn on your lights, and brush the snow off your lights and taillights regularly.
Passing snow removal equipment
Passing snow removal equipment is risky behavior. Road conditions will always be safer 200 feet behind the equipment. While it may be feasible to pass a single salt spreader operating on a multi-lane roadway, it is never safe to pass a salt spreader or plow that has its blade down, pushing snow. Never pass a group of plows that is stretched across a roadway and engaged in plowing. They are literally passing hundreds of pounds of snow from vehicle to vehicle.
If you must pass a salt spreader:
- Reduce your vehicle's speed to safely pass.
- Allow for extra room while passing a salt spreader. Their blades extend several feet ahead of the truck, so don't cut in too fast.
- Pass only on the salt spreader's left.
- Prepare for salt to bounce off your car.