As winter weather continues across northeast Wisconsin, the Shawano County Highway Department reminds all motorists to use extra caution around working snowplows and to give plow operators the space they need to safely clear and treat roads.
“Snowplow operators are out in difficult conditions to keep the traveling public safe,” said Grant Bystol, Shawano County highway commissioner. “The most important thing drivers can do is slow down, be patient and give plows plenty of room to work.”
Snowplows are large, heavy vehicles with limited mobility and vision for the operator. They also may discharge snow to the side of the road, creating reduced visibility and snow spray. Keeping distance helps protect drivers, passengers and the highway crews working long hours in challenging weather.
It was only a few weeks ago when a semi driver crashed into the back end of a county snowplow on state Highway 29 near Bonduel, shutting down the westbound lanes for five hours.
The semi driver was reportedly looking down to adjust the heat in his vehicle when he struck the plow. He was issued a citation by the Wisconsin State Patrol for inattentive driving.
“The biggest concern is getting the public to stay back at a safe distance,” Sheriff George Lenzner said. “Passing a snowplow in Wisconsin is legal as long as drivers do it safely. People need to be patient, and if passing, do it safely and not in a no-passing zone or intersection.”
On Feb. 4, almost 50 members from local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS and others gathered at Shawano Community High School for a traffic incident management training.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had some nasty crashes in January, especially with a snowplow from our own county,” said Chris Madle, emergency management director. “(We’re) trying to get more people through training of how to better manage large crash sites.”
Lenzner said he has participated in a handful of these training events.
“It’s training on how to make these crash scenes safer so we keep the traffic flowing,” he said. “It teaches them where to park their vehicles so they don’t get hit. It’s excellent training.”
Bystol and the rest of the highway department urge drivers to follow these safety practices whenever snowplows are operating.
• Stay back and don’t tailgate. Snowplows often travel at reduced speeds and may create blowing snow that limits visibility. Maintain a safe following distance of at least 200 feet.
• Never pass a plow on the right on an undivided roadway. Plows may need to shift within the lane, and wings can extend beyond the truck’s main body. Passing on the right also increases the risk of hitting snow ridges or equipment.
• Pass with extreme caution only when it is legal and safe. If you must pass, use caution. Signal early and allow plenty of room — then move ahead and do not cut back in too quickly.
• Expect sudden changes in conditions. Roads may look clear in one area but be icy or snow-covered in the next, especially on bridges, curves, hills and shaded areas.
• Slow down — especially near intersections, driveways and work areas. Plows may be turning, backing or operating in tight spaces.
• Give crews room at turnarounds and intersections. Operators need space to maneuver safely and keep equipment positioned correctly to clear the full roadway width.
In a similar vein, Lenzner reminded motorists to move over a lane when safe or slow down if unable to move over when approaching active emergency vehicles.
“This applies to squads, highway vehicles, wreckers and first responders such as ambulance and fire trucks when they are on the side of the road at a scene or traffic stop with their emergency lights activated,” he said.
Bystol said that during a snowfall, county highway crews focus first on primary state road routes. Lesser traveled county roads receive a slightly lower level of service as conditions dictate. Even after the snow stops, crews may continue operations for drifting, cleanup, widening and additional de-icing where needed.
Residents are reminded that plowing and salt or brine applications improve safety but do not eliminate winter driving risks. Drivers should adjust speed for conditions and plan extra travel time.
For up-to-date winter travel information, drivers are encouraged to check Wisconsin 511 and local advisories before traveling.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
