With the surprise snowfall overnight, Thumb residents are reminded to drive safely and give themselves extra time and space, especially around snow plows.
With the snow not to fully let up until later this evening, several county road commissions have set to work clearing the roads, so there are several plows and salt trucks out and about around the Thumb today. The St. Clair County Road Commission urges drivers to remember not to crowd the plow, recommending that drivers keep at least six to ten car lengths between their vehicles and the plow.
The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) adds that if you’re unable to see a snowplow’s mirrors while driving behind them, they definitely are unable to see you. The OHSP also urges drivers not to try and pass snow plows. In addition to it being illegal in Michigan to pass a snowplow on the right, many accidents between snow plows and passenger vehicles happen when the passenger vehicle attempts to pass a plow.
Another common way accidents between plows and vehicles occur is when a vehicle runs into the plow from behind. This can happen from driving too closely, or by not moving over when a snowplow is pulled over. With snow plows counted as an authorized vehicle under Michigan’s Move Over law, drivers are required to slow down to at least 10 mph under the speed limit and move over to the next open lane of traffic, or safely pass the plow if necessary.
Drive safely, and before you head out for your drive, you can check recent plow activity via MDOT’s Mi Drive online tool.
