In addition to all the things we already know about winter driving: check weather before driving each day; run on low beams to increase visibility; slow down; increase your following distance; DO NOT use cruise control; and pull off to a safe place if conditions are too hazardous to drive safely; there is the special concern of sharing the highways with snow plows.
Because they are removing snow and spreading sand or salt, snow plows move more slowly than the other vehicles on a highway. A commercial driver should remain 5 or 6 car lengths behind a snow plow – to avoid possible rear end collisions and to protect the vehicle you are driving from damage caused by the materials been thrown onto the road.
NEVER drive next to a snow plow: a snow plow will shift sideways if it hits a snowpack or drift – and could shift into your vehicle.
NEVER drive through white out conditions caused by swirling snow around a snow plow.
If you MUST PASS a snow plow, make sure you do so in a safe, clear passing area clear of snow and ice. As plows are wider than other vehicles – and portions of the plow and blade extend out further than the vehicle itself – it is essential that you accommodate for the extra width and complete your pass with the best space cushion possible to the side.
Your job on the highway is made safer by snow plows, if we remember these rules for operating with them.
