Sharing the road with snowplows

Think before passing

Let’s say the snowplow in front of you is slow, and you’re feeling impatient. Thinking about speeding up and passing it? Experts say you should think twice. Here’s why.

First, the road behind the plow will be clearer than the road in front of it. Second, the plow’s blade can extend several feet ahead of the truck. The Massachusetts DOT cautions that some blades may even reach to part of the road’s shoulder, into another lane or over the center line on a two-lane road.

Some snow-clearing vehicles have wing plows, which can jut out between 4 to 10 feet from the truck, Peters said. Engelbrecht said some trucks can haul another type of plow that trails behind them, and those tow plows can extend into another lane.

Peters also points out that, especially if roads already have been plowed, a ridge of snow and ice might be between the lanes. When trying to pass, your tires may lose traction when they pass over the ridge, putting you at risk for spinning out or crashing.

“The potential of being involved in a crash with a snowplow is increased and the results are never favorable,” Peters said. “Snowplows, especially when loaded with winter materials in their beds, can be thought of as the civilian equivalent of a tank on our roads.”