Why You Don't Crowd the Plow

With winter's inevitable return on the way, it's time for some winter weather driving reminders. In this part of the country where we get more snow than most places, snowplows become a regular part of traffic. Remember, the main aim for county snowplows is to improve driving conditions for other motorists.

Sometimes you'll see a sign on the back of a snowplow that reads, “Don't Crowd the Plow.” It's sound advice and in this post we will discuss several reasons why you should pay heed and not crowd the plow.

Road Conditions
First, if snowplows are even out in the first place, it is because road conditions are not great. That means you shouldn't be driving too closely behind <i>any</i> other vehicle, much less one the size of a snowplow. One of the main rules of winter travel is to give yourself extra time to get to your destination. That means realizing the some drivers will be driving slower than you would drive, including snowplows, so this is a good time to exercise patience and focus on arriving safely.

The Plow's Limited Visibility
The size of a snowplow creates visibility issues for the snowplow driver. For instance, snowplow drivers cannot see directly behind their trucks. Further, when the plow is down, there is likely to be a snow cloud created by the plowing process, which can further limit a snowplow driver's visibility.

Your Limited Visibility
In snowy winter conditions, which are compounded by the aforementioned snow cloud, your visibility is also likely to be affected. Trying to pass the snowplow is rolling the dice with limited visibility, which is never a good idea, especially with a vehicle as large and heavy as a snowplow.

The Plow Truck Can Move Unexpectedly
Snowplows are out there pushing piles of blowing snow, chunks of ice, wet and sloppy snow, and sometimes even doing it in freezing rain conditions. In any number of different winter conditions, a snowplow can hit a patch of “something” that causes it to move sideways. If you are next to a snowplow when it does this, it can put your life, and the lives of other drivers, in immediate danger.

The Right-Side Wing
Motorists are never supposed to pass on the right. This was common knowledge at one point, but you would never know anymore. Still, this is incredibly important when it comes to snowplow safety. Many trucks come equipped with wings that can extend up to six feet out on both sides of the truck. This gives snowplows more options to clear as much snow as possible in the shortest amount of time. These wings are huge and heavy. Some can weigh as much as a small car.

When you pair the size of these wings with the limited visibility issues listed above, trying to pass a snowplow on the right is quite literally an accident waiting to happen. Just don't do it.

In Conclusion
Nobody likes driving in winter weather conditions, especially snowplow drivers. If the weather is starting to turn, anticipate that there may be snowplows out there, which will slow down traffic conditions. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to be and use some patience along the way.

Of course, if you are looking for commercial snow removal services, we'd sure appreciate it if you would give E.P.M. LawnScape and Supply an opportunity. Simply contact us online or call us at (517) 990-0110 today!

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