MnDOT to drivers: Keep your distance from snowplows

(Mankato, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to keep their distance around snowplows.

Jed Falgren, the maintenance operator with MnDOT District 7 says the rule of thumb is to stay ten car lengths behind a snowplow. “Our trucks can weigh 15 times more than a vehicle, resulting in a very dangerous situation for the motorist.” In addition to reduced visibility from snow or storm conditions, snowplow trucks create a cloud when clearing the roadways.

MnDOT says their snowplow operators do their part to make highway safe and ask that motorists do the following:

Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They may also travel over centerlines to further improve road conditions.
Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into the snow cloud.
Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt.
Turn off cruise control.
Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
Don’t drive distracted.
Check MnDOT’s road conditions map.

Four snowplows were hit in southern Minnesota during last Friday’s snowstorm, which dumped about 4-10 inches of snow in the southern region of the state.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation

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