The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s snow plow operators are trained, experienced and ready to assist motorists in facing another winter driving season.
“We have the equipment, technology and experienced crews to do an excellent job of keeping Minnesota’s roadways clear,” said Susan Mulvihill, Mn/DOT director of operations. “We have great confidence in our crews, and we are asking motorists to help us keep the roads safe during winter driving conditions by giving our plows room to work.”
Last year there were 103 snowplow/ vehicle crashes in Minnesota and 27 of these crashes occurred when vehicles crashed into the back of snow plows. Thecrashes are typically caused by inattentive drivers or by motorists driving too close.
Snowplow trucks can be twice as wide as a semi truck. They are rigged with a plow that extends 12-15 feet out from the front of the truck and an 8- to 10-foot wide side wing plow. Operators have much to monitor and control and their ability to see behind them is limited by side mirrors. Their vision can also be hampered by the snow clouds they create while plowing.
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