Snow plows

For your safety, the safety of other travelers, and the safety of the Department of Transportation (DOT) work crews, remember to practice these good winter driving techniques:

• Stay a safe distance behind the snowplows. During snow plowing operations visibility can be reduced by blowing snow. Operators may need to stop or move over to avoid stranded vehicles. Materials are also being spread for your driving safety.
• Make sure you have clear vision ahead before passing a snowplow. On two-lane roads where traffic is not able to pass the plows, plow operators will pull over periodically to let vehicles behind them pass. On divided highways, watch for snowplows operating in the left lane.
• Allow plenty of room when passing a snowplow. Do not cut back into the lane ahead of the plow too quickly since the blade extends several feet ahead of the truck.
• Move as far away from the centerline of the pavement as you safely can when meeting a snowplow on a two-lane road since blowing snow may obscure the actual width of the snowplow’s blade.
• Remain alert. Snowplows generally move slower than other traffic (5-35 mph), and may be completely obscured at times by blowing snow and blizzard-like conditions. This is especially important when you see an area of blowing snow that could conceal a plow.
• Don’t try to pass snowplows that are working together in tandem pulling snow from the middle of a divided highway. There isn’t enough room for you to get through.
• Don’t travel beside a snowplow. They can be moved sideways from hitting drifts or cutting through snow pack.

References:

• Iowa DOT: Iowa Winter road guide & Service Level Map