With winter driving conditions arriving in full form, Mainroad East Kootenay is reminding everyone to please drive safe, especially when approaching a highway maintenance vehicle.

When drivers attempt to pass a plow truck, they put themselves, their passengers, the truck operator and the driving public at risk, Mainroad stated in a press release.

“Keep a safe distance and always stay alert. Though you see the plow truck, the plow truck operator might not see you.”

Snowplow facts

Snowplows move at much slower speeds than other vehicles. On the highway, snowplows normally don’t travel faster than 60 km/h when plowing or spreading winter abrasives.

Motorists may not be aware that plows are wide and can extend across the centre line of the highway.

On some highways and bridge structures, two or more snowplows may be staggered across multiple lanes with the plow in front pushing snow towards the plows behind. This is an effective way to quickly clear wide areas so we want to remind drivers to stay behind these plowing operations and to not try to pass.

Snow plows, salt or sand trucks throw up snow and spray making it difficult to see. Snow plows have limited visibility and plow truck operators cannot see directly behind their trucks.

If a snowplow is approaching in oncoming traffic, pull to the right as much as possible and slow down to avoid being hit by winter abrasives. Depending on conditions, operators may not always turn off their spinners when vehicles are passing.

“Please give our road maintenance crews room to do their work.
Remember the road surface ahead of the plow hasn’t been plowed yet therefore please be patient. The operator will eventually pull over and let you pass safely,” Mainroad explained.

Please SLOW DOWN and drive to the conditions.

e-KNOW

Article Share