Winter storms can turn roads dangerously treacherous. Motorists should expect delays and make plans to allow enough time for their journey.
Find out what winter storm and blizzard watches/warnings mean in your area by reaching out to your emergency management office, National Weather Service office or American Red Cross chapter.
Keep an Eye Out for Snow Plows
Winter brings hazardous conditions to roads and highways that can result in serious accidents and property damage, including ice, snow, and extreme cold. The primary risks are accidents caused by these elements.
As you drive through a snowy landscape, it is vitally important to remain aware of your surroundings and remain wary of large vehicles such as snow plows. Furthermore, it would be prudent to turn on your headlights so as to be visible to snowplow drivers on the road.
Keep an adequate distance of at least 200 feet between all pieces of snow removal equipment and you, as this is typically the minimum legal distance required by most states. Furthermore, try to limit distractions during heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions by switching off music, paying attention to law enforcement officers, and staying focused on driving safely ahead.
Don’t Pass a Snow Plow
Snow plows are large vehicles whose operators cannot see directly behind them; driving too closely puts yourself, your passengers, the plow operator and other motorists at risk. Plus, snowplows may spread salt or winter abrasives that damage vehicles.
Just keep in mind that plowing two travel lanes uses equally as much fuel. Additionally, the driver of the plow truck must switch gears, apply brakes and accelerate to maintain control when traversing rough road surfaces.
Winterize your vehicle, keep blankets and booster cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, snow scraper and shovel in your car as a backup plan, check 511 before traveling for current road conditions and travel advisories, watch videos or use coloring pages from 511 to learn how you can support snow plow drivers on our roads! Check out these tips, videos or coloring pages on how you can support their efforts while they work to clear snow!
Keep Your Distance
Once a snow storm arrives, roads that were once manageable quickly become treacherous. Postal speed limits were designed for dry pavement; speed should be reduced significantly during adverse conditions. Most accidents happen because drivers fail to anticipate changes in traction and visibility and therefore slow down.
Be mindful when driving behind a snowplow to give its operator ample room – at least 10 car lengths. Salt and winter abrasives released by its spreaders can damage nearby vehicles, so giving enough room allows the driver to clear the roadway safely. Their field of vision may also be impaired due to its blade, so this must also be kept in mind when passing.
Be sure to pull over to the right when approaching a snowplow on an undivided highway; its operator should eventually move aside so you can pass. Don’t forget to wave as you pass; this is a good way for them to know that someone is passing.
Stay Alert
Winter storms can be hazardous driving conditions. Motorists should exercise extreme caution during these weather events and use additional delay if possible in their travel plans if possible, in addition to being Weather-Ready by stocking an emergency kit in their vehicle.
Drivers should keep in mind that snowplows have limited visibility and may miss vehicles behind or in their blind spot. Motorists should remain well behind a snowplow truck and never pass it. On highways, snowplows typically operate at speeds up to 35 mph to spread salt on roads while keeping traffic moving safely.
Please remember that Town crews cannot plow personal property such as driveway gates, basketball hoops and portable mailboxes, nor move snowdrifts that block curbs, sidewalks or fire hydrants unless done so at the owner’s own risk and according to Marlboro Township ordinances. Thank you for helping keep Marlboro Township safe during a winter snowstorm by cooperating with our efforts – should any issues arise please reach out directly to the Public Works Department with any inquiries.