Snowplow drivers deserve to make it home safe, too

Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin, was held Dec. 2, to remind motorists to slow down and give space to snowplow drivers to safely do their jobs. In partnership with the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA), the WisDOT urges drivers to pay attention on roads this winter.

“Every winter, Wisconsin’s snowplow drivers show up, no matter the conditions, to make sure the roads are safe for you,” said WisDOT secretary Kristina Boardman. “We are grateful for their commitment to keeping our roads clear, but we need to do our part to keep them safe.”

Focus on the road ahead at all times; be patient and give extra space to snowplows; and, when possible, avoid traveling during major winter storms.

For more than 100 years, Wisconsin has maintained a unique partnership with the state’s 72 county highway departments. During the winter, county highway workers keep interstate, U.S. and state highways safe, by snow plowing, salting and applying liquid brine. The WisDOT works closely with Wisconsin counties, year-round, to establish best practices, and test new tools for safety and efficiency.

“With great gratitude we appreciate the dedication of our snowplow drivers,” said WCHA executive director Patrick Vander Sanden. “They work overnight, weekends and holidays, so that we can get to where we need to be.”

Wisconsin allows flashing green warning lights on county or municipal maintenance vehicles, in addition to red or amber lights. The green warning lights are meant to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

Motorists can do the following to help keep everyone safe on Wisconsin roads this winter:

• Before traveling, visit 511wi.gov, to check road conditions, live video from traffic cameras and possible incidents. Download the 511 Wisconsin mobile app to “know before you go.”

• Buckle up, phone down. Every trip, every time.

• Watch the road ahead and leave room to brake, especially in slick conditions.

• Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal. Slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.

• Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow.

• If passing a snowplow, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Remember that road conditions in front of the plow are likely worse.

• Don’t be over-confident if operating a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. They still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roads.

• During major winter storms, postpone or cancel the trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.