Wisconsin Officials Issue New Warning After Snowplows Struck By Vehicles

Everyone who lives in Wisconsin is well aware that once winter arrives, there will be countless times when vehicles will be sharing the road with snowplows, and while most of the time it's uneventful, accidents do happen.

In fact, based on recent Wisconsin State Patrol Facebook reports, nearly 300 crashes involving snowplows occur in Wisconsin annually. These incidents often occur during winter storms when visibility is low and road conditions are dangerous.

Recently, there have been many serious accidents reported, which have prompted state officials to issue a warning to drivers.

A Warning For Wisconsin Drivers

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) are urging motorists to give snowplows plenty of space while crews work to keep roads safe during winter weather.

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According to WCHA, 13 county highway department snowplows have been struck so far this winter, with serious incidents occurring in Calumet, Marinette, Portage, Shawano, Waukesha, and Wood counties.

The crashes resulted in vehicle damage and forced several plows out of service, reducing the county highway department’s ability to clear roads efficiently.

Officials note that in many cases, snowplows are struck from behind, so drivers are warned that they must remain alert and adjust their driving behaviors in winter conditions.

“Every time a snowplow is hit, it puts operators at risk and takes critical equipment off the road,” WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden said. “These crashes are preventable. Drivers need to slow down, stay back, and be patient.”

Remember, snowplows need to travel at slower speeds to effectively apply liquid brine or road salt and clear the lane of snow and ice, and following too closely or attempting to pass an active plow puts drivers and snowplow operators at serious risk.

Best Practices To Share The Road With Snowplows

During the winter, drivers should be on the lookout for snowplows, which are usually easy to see. Snowplows have flashing amber or green warning lights to increase safety, enhance driver awareness, and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

WisDOT offers drivers these important reminders:

• Watch the road ahead, avoid distractions, and leave room to brake, especially in slick conditions.
• Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions, so remember that posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal.
  Slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.
• Give space and stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. If you can see the plow's mirrors, the driver can see you.
• If you must pass a snowplow, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Road conditions in front of the plow are likely worse.
• Don't be overconfident if you operate a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Those vehicles still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roads.
• “Know before you go" with 511wi.gov or the free 511 Wisconsin mobile app to check road conditions, live video from traffic cameras, and possible incidents.
• During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

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WisDOT says it works closely with Wisconsin counties year-round to establish best practices and test new tools for safety and efficiency to keep all drivers safe.