Snowplow Drivers Need Some Room

The first major snowstorm of the season is set to hit SE Minnesota today through tomorrow. Snowplow drivers will be out in full force and they will need some 'breathing room'.

A good rule of thumb is to leave 4-5 car length's between you and the snow plow. Never drive into a snow cloud either. And make sure the garbage containers are off the street.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation's snowplow fleet will be out in force keeping our roadways safe again this winter. Driving too close to snow removal equipment can be extremely dangerous.

Here are some Snowplow Safety Tips:
o Yield to snowplows. They travel slower than posted speeds.
o Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to do their jobs.
o Never drive into a snow cloud.
o Slow down! Never use cruise control on wet or icy roads.
o Stay alert. A snowplow weighs 17 times more than a car. In a crash, occupants of a car are much more likely to be seriously injured.
o Be patient. Follow at a safe distance. Allow at least five car lengths between your vehicle and a snowplow.
• For current road conditions, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org
o MN Relay Service: 1-800-627-3529, TTY or ASCI