DRIVING SAFELY WITH SNOWPLOWS
While Iowa hasn’t experienced a heavy snow or ice storm with broad impacts this season like some of our neighboring states and those farther south, yet – several smaller winter weather events in recent weeks have called upon our Department of Transportation (DOT) snowplow operators to prep and maintain roadways.
Despite lower accumulations, these events still create challenges between vehicles and snowplows that share the roads. “Since our winter started on October 15, we’ve had a total of nine DOT snowplow strikes from vehicles and several other close calls,” according to Craig Bargfrede, winter operations administrator.
Snowplow Strikes, Close Calls
During an early December storm, two drivers took a big risk – at night – to pass a DOT plow with its wing blade out on a shoulder. The first vehicle collided with the wing blade destroying it. The other driver followed closely and barely missed striking a road sign in the median. Both drivers and our plow operator were very fortunate the situation was not more serious. However, the snowplow was not as lucky. It was taken out of operation when it was needed most.
“The safety of our employees, and everyone who drives in Iowa, depends on well-maintained roads,” says Bargfrede. During and after a major winter event, several hundred snowplows can be treating or clearing the roads across the state at any time. “As winter systems ramp up in frequency and intensity, it’s a good time to help drivers better understand how the plows operate so they can safely share the road together,” he added.
Understanding Winter Maintenance Equipment
The department’s 100 maintenance garages are home to our agency's 925 trucks, 40 motor graders, 33 tow plows, and 10 heavy-duty, self-propelled snowblowers that can be deployed to the road during winter weather. Although we often think of snowplows pushing snow and putting down salt and sand, they’re often on the roads even on sunny days. Ahead of storms, or when frost may cause slick spots, plows apply a liquid brine mixture that helps reduce the ability of snow and ice to adhere to the pavement.
Snowplows are big pieces of equipment that take up a lot of space. You may see some snowplows equipped with wing blades which can extend to either side of a truck onto the shoulder or creeping into adjacent lanes. These blades act as a secondary plow that can help further push snow to the shoulder. Wing blades are easy to miss when they’re in position at pavement level during low visibility times.
Towplows are easier to spot on the roadways and are efficient allowing us to clear two lanes of traffic with one plow. But they are wide and susceptible to being hit because these attached steerable plows are mounted on a trailer that may exceed the width of a typical lane.
Tips for Safely Sharing The Road
No matter what type of plow is being used, it’s normal for clouds of snow to be created as our operators are clearing the roads. It can be hard to see when you are driving near a plow and you should not assume operators can see you.
In addition, to be able to do their jobs well, snowplows typically travel much slower than other vehicles 5 to 35 mph. They are often hit from behind by drivers who approach them too quickly and are unable to get stopped in time.
It’s not uncommon for motorists to become impatient and want to pass slow-moving plow trucks. Bargfrede states “One of the best things you can do is slow down and keep your distance behind the truck allowing our operators to do their job. While it can be hard to stay behind the plow, the roadway is typically much safer and easier to drive behind the truck rather than in front of it”
To enhance your safety, use these quick tips the next time you approach the flashing white, amber, and blue lights of a snowplow:
- Don’t crowd the plow: Maintenance vehicles plow far and wide, have big blind spots, and turn and exit the road frequently. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations.
- Never pass on the shoulder-side of a plow: Operators are trained to move snow to the shoulder. It's safer to hang back; plows can be tricky to maneuver around.
- Watch for wing blades: These side blades mounted on either side of a truck can be hard to spot under blowing snow.
- Don’t tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows: Snowplows are usually spreading deicing materials from the back of the truck. They may need to stop or take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If following a snowplow, stay behind it or use extreme caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on.
- Don’t travel beside a plow for long periods: When plowing through a snowdrift or packed snow, the impact can move the truck sideways and can create a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react.
- Move as far away from the centerline of the pavement: When meeting a snowplow on a two-lane road, move to the right of the centerline to give them more room.
- Allow plenty of room if passing: If passing is absolutely necessary, identify a very large opening, and don’t cut in too quickly. Operators will pull over periodically to let vehicles pass.
For more information about snowplows, general winter preparedness, the Iowa 511 travel information system, and the Iowa DOT's snow and ice control program, check the Iowa DOT's winter safety website.
Thank you for these reminders and explanations. If the snow plows are out, the roads are in worse than normal condition. We need to give them space to do their jobs, which is keeping the roads passable and safe for us.
Posted by: Connie Brinton | 01/22/2025 at 11:04 AM