TZD Tuesday - Don't Crowd the Plow

Snowplows will be out in full force again this week to keep our state, county, and city roadways safe. Snowplows have a job to do, and they need room to do it. Driving too close to plows can be extremely dangerous. Please, if you're out on the roads during a winter weather event, don't crowd the plow. These crashes are typically caused by drivers following too closely behind a plow, being distracted, or driving too fast for the conditions.

You can do your part by driving smart:

• Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
• Stay back at least ten car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.
• Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning.
• Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions, and give yourself plenty of travel time.
• Kids playing outside? Stay away from the road. Ensure kids never tunnel or build a fort in the snowbanks or along the side of the road.

The Minnesota Safety Council and the Network for Employers for Traffic-Safety (NETS) developed a statewide Snowplow Safety campaign as a reminder to motorists that SPEED COUNTS: DON’T CROWD THE PLOW. The campaign toolkit attached includes tips and resources to help keep you and others safe. Please share as you wish… 😊

As a reminder, you can sign up to receive MnDOT text messages and/or email alerts during significant winter weather events affecting state roads in southeast Minnesota. You can also check www.511mn.org for road conditions, traffic incidents, weather information, camera footage, and more.