Stay Safe Around Snow Clearing Equipment
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Residents are asked to use caution around snow plows and other snow clearing and salting equipment, whether you are on foot or in your vehicle.
Snow plows and other equipment need lots of room to maneuver. They are built to remove large volumes of snow and ice and that means they are packing a lot of weight. Operators eyes are on the road, the snow, potential obstacles and dangers. Please be patient and don’t tailgate equipment.
Please remind your children to keep their distance from all equipment.
Here’s some helpful Dos and Don’ts for motorists
DO…Give snow plows plenty of space – about 10 car lengths. Salt and winter abrasives, as well as rocks and other debris in the snow, can fly – hitting nearby vehicles and decreasing visibility.
DO…Remember the road surface ahead of the plow hasn’t been plowed yet therefore please slow down and be patient. The operator will eventually pull over when it is safe to do so to allow motorists to pass, so take your time, wait and be safe.
DO…Pull as far over to the right as is safe when you see a snow plow approaching from the opposite direction along an undivided highway. That way, you will be clear of any salt or winter abrasives.
DO…Turn on your head and tail lights during heavy snow or rain, even during the day.
DO…Watch for the flashing amber lights. It can be difficult to see snow removal equipment.
DON’T…Assume the snow plow operator can see you, especially if you’re driving too close and visibility is poor, which it often is in snowstorms. Your best defense is to keep your distance.
DON’T…Tailgate. Tailgating any vehicle puts you at risk of a collision; tailgating a piece of heavy equipment armed with plows only ups the consequences.
DON’T…Pass snow plows. It’s not safe. When drivers attempt to pass a plow truck, they put themselves, their passengers, the snow plow operator and other motorists at risk. The plow could be equipped with a wing blade on its left or right side, which can be obstructed by the snow it’s throwing.
Find out more about snow and ice control in the Village.
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