November 10 is time to appreciate snowplow drivers

County snowplow crews keep roads open and safe for travelers

Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed November 10, 2009 as Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin, reminding motorists of the important role Wisconsin’s 2,000 – 3,000 snowplow drivers play in keeping the state’s economy open for business even during the coldest, snowiest months of the year.

Governor Doyle’s proclamation notes that Wisconsin’s economy depends on open, well-maintained highways.  It also urges all citizens of Wisconsin to reflect on the valuable service performed by snowplow drivers, to exercise caution whenever encountering snowplows on the highways, and to limit non-essential travel during snow storms to allow snowplow drivers to safely and efficiently clear streets and highways.

“Wisconsin’s ‘winter warriors’ deserve our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi said.  “They’re frequently on the road before dawn and work well into the night, often during the worst conditions and with low visibility, to keep our roads open and commerce flowing.  Because they do their jobs, we can do ours.”

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers these safety tips for driving during wintry conditions:

• Stay off roads until they are plowed.
• If venturing out, slow down, leave plenty of room between vehicles, and anticipate stops and turns.
• Be prepared for the unexpected.  Remember: If there’s ice and snow, take it slow.
• Give snowplows plenty of room to work.  They’re big and hard to see around.
• Don’t pass a working snowplow – they can throw up a cloud of snow that could cause a whiteout and disorient you.
• Also, it’s tough for snowplow drivers to see you.  Don’t crowd the plow.  Make sure when behind a plow that you can see the driver’s mirrors so he can see you.  Remember, it’s the law that you stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow.
• And always remember to wear your seatbelt, drive sober, and keep your speed appropriate for the conditions – all are essential when winter weather hits.

Secretary Busalacchi noted that during the winter of 2008-09, there were 26,221 vehicle crashes during winter months when roads were covered with ice, snow, or slush.  Those crashes killed 80 people and injured 7,490 people.  There were 408 crashes involving snowplows.  The majority of crashes in winter are caused by people driving too fast for conditions.