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Snow Plow Safety Tips

Snow Plow Safety Tips

THE SNOW PLOWS ARE READY! Now, we need your help…

KCRC crews are trained and ready to respond to winter storms, and motorists can do a lot to help keep both you and our drivers safe. Please review the information, below, to learn how.


DO NOT CROWD THE PLOW: MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE. Snowplows are large and operators cannot see directly behind the truck.

SLOW DOWN WHEN YOU SEE A SNOW PLOW. Snow plows travel at a slower speed; the most common crashes are motorists hitting the rear end of the plow. Stay alert and watch for a plow’s green and amber lights.

DO NOT PASS PLOW ON RIGHT. Plows push snow to the right shoulder and many are equipped with a wing plow – a 6-8 foot extension on the right-hand side of the plow. This wing is difficult to see and can do harm to a passing car.

DO NOT PASS IN A SNOW CLOUD. Be sure the road ahead is clear of vehicles or snowdrifts before attempting to pass on the left. A snow cloud could be caused by crosswinds or by a snowplow, so be patient.

REMEMBER: PLOWS DO MORE THAN PLOW. Plow trucks also spread salt and deicing agents may spray your car. Maintain a safe distance between your car and the snowplow and be extremely cautious when passing on the left. Remember - do NOT pass a snow plow on the right.


PLAYING OUTSIDE? STAY AWAY FROM THE ROAD!

Always remember, drivers likely do not see you as well as you see their trucks.

Here are some facts and tips to share:

  • A snow plow driver often has low visibility during storms or when plowing because snow is constantly flying onto the windshield. This makes it hard for the driver to see anyone along the road
  • If you hear “beeps” signaling the truck is backing up, be aware. The driver may not be able to see you in his/her mirrors. Move far away off the road, away from the truck.
  • Never tunnel or build forts in the snowbanks along the side of the road. Drivers will not be able to see you, and if you’re in the tunnel, you could be “snowed in” when a trucks plows next to you.
  • Plows can throw large chunks of ice into ditches when plowing, these could hurt you pretty badly.