In
collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation
(MDOT) and the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM), the
Washtenaw County Road Commission is urging motorists to remember
good driving habits in winter weather conditions.
Washtenaw County road crews respond before, during and after
winter storms, to ensure safe travel conditions for motorists.
Motorists must remember to drive with caution no matter how much
salt and/or sand is used or how often roads are plowed.
A steady decrease in road funding and an increase in costs have caused state and local agencies to alter their winter maintenance plans and change plowing priorities. One important fact that has not changed however is that road crews require ample room in order to safely clear the many miles of roadway of snow and ice.
"Motorists must do their best to minimize distractions and focus on driving and changes in road conditions," John Niemela, County Road Association of Michigan director, said. "Every year, despite the flashing lights, poor driver behavior near snowplows leads to collisions that can be deadly."
MDOT, CRAM and the Washtenaw CRC offer the following reminders for motorists:
- Snowplows have limited visibility and drivers cannot see directly behind their trucks;
- Snowplows often throw up snow clouds, reducing visibility on all sides of the truck;
- To remain focused on driving, motorists should not text or talk on cell phones while they are behind the wheel;
- Motorists should never attempt to pass a moving snowplow on the right. With new wing-plow technology the blade can clear the shoulder and the lane of travel simultaneously. Motorists attempting an illegal pass through a snow cloud on the right and/or shoulder of the road most likely won't see the plow blade and run the risk of a serious crash; and
- Always wear your safety belt and allow extra time to
reach your destinations this winter.
We urge motorists to drive with caution when traveling in inclement weather to ensure that everyone arrives at their destinations safely... “ Snowplows Need Room to Groom!"
MDOT posts winter safety message on YouTube:
The following video highlights the winter safety slogan, "Snowplows Need Room to Groom," reminding motorists to give snowplow drivers enough space to safely do their job.
The video includes an interview with Rodney Standish, an experienced MDOT snowplow driver who highlights safe driving habits motorists should follow on winter roadways.