Don’t plow into our snow plows

Photo Courtesy: Kansas Highway Patrol. Traffic follows behind KDOT snow plows on Friday, Feb. 15.

This winter has felt like it has dragged on forever. Our crews have been out fighting snow more this season than in several winters’ past. Each time it snows, we encourage drivers to be more aware of our equipment on the roads.

“Don’t crowd the plows,” and “Help us help you, give our crews room.” 

Unfortunately, our crews still get hit and the results are usually very serious. Some drivers who have hit plows have lost their lives and others have walked away with a minor injuries and massive repair bill to their personal vehicles.

Last weekend, travelers smashed into five of our snow plows in Johnson County. And another plow was hit in the Topeka Metro Area on Friday night.

In an interview with KCTV5, Drake Jennings, KDOT Highway Maintenance Superintendent, said that drivers hit the plows when they were trying to pass them, before the lanes were even plowed. 

Damage to one of our plows, after it was struck by a vehicle from the past weekend's storm.

Even though our trucks could still operate, time was lost. Each time one of our trucks is hit, it takes time to fill out paperwork and assess the damage. Doing so can take an hour or more depending on how bad the situation is. 

When it comes to clearing roadways, losing time means the roadways can’t be cleared as quickly. 

During inclement weather there are some things we’d like drivers to keep in mind:

1. Plow trucks drive at speeds slower than the posted speeds to help them direct snow properly and apply the right quantities of salt behind them.  Once snow or sleet start falling, mentally prepare for the fact that not only will be roads be slick, but also that you could come upon a slow-moving plow on your drive. 
   
   
2. Don’t attempt to pass our trucks.  Many of the crashes with plow trucks involve drivers fish-tailing on the way around the plow. And, nNot only is the lane that is currently being plowed probably the safest lane to travel in, but visibility as you come around and in front of the plow is usually a lot worse   When road conditions are slick, we ask for a little extra patience from everyone so the roads can get treated quicker.
   
   
3. Be aware that tow-plows can take up to two lanes and the blades could be hidden beneath the snow.  Visibility going around the plows is the factor in many of the crashes recently.
4. It’s important for drivers to slow down for conditions, even when we’ve been out treating.  During winter conditions, especially as we transition into and out of storms, patchy ice is always a possibility, especially on bridges, ramps and overpasses. 
   
   
5. Don’t drive distracted. On a normal day it takes 100 percent focus to drive safely, and in winter weather conditions that focus is even more crucial to driving safely.

Your KDOT crews work hard to serve Kansans, often putting their own lives on the line to keep our roads and highways safe. Please give our crews, emergency responders and law enforcement room to work when we are out on the roads, so we can get things back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.

Stay alert: Deer are on the move

Deer activity on and near Kansas' roadways poses a seasonal traffic hazard. Because deer-breeding season runs from October and into December, law enforcement officers routinely investigate a large number of vehicle-deer crashes this time of year. The Kansas Highway Patrol advises all motorists to be aware of this potential danger and to use extra caution. The following defensive driving techniques could ensure your safety this fall and winter:

• Stay alert, pay more attention to the road and roadside, and intentionally look for deer. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, the peak movement times for deer and when visibility is low.
• Slow down at deer-crossing signs, which are posted where deer-vehicle collisions have repeatedly occurred, and near woods, parks, golf courses, and streams or creeks. At a reduced speed, you have a better chance of avoiding a deer.
• Deer usually travel in groups. When one deer crosses the road, there may be others about to cross. Slow down and watch for others to dart into the road.
• Slow down when approaching deer standing near roadsides. They have a tendency to bolt, possibly onto the roadway. Use emergency flashers to warn oncoming drivers after you see deer near a roadway.
• Always wear your seat belt. Statistics show that most people injured or killed in deer-related collisions were not wearing seat belts.
• The most serious crashes occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. Do not take unsafe evasive actions. It is usually safer to strike the deer than another object such as a tree or another vehicle.
• Motorcyclists need to be especially careful; fatality rates are higher in deer-motorcycle accidents than in deer-car crashes.
• If you hit a deer, pull over onto the shoulder, turn on your emergency flashers, and watch for traffic before exiting your vehicle. Do not try to remove a deer from the roadway unless you are sure it is dead; an injured deer could hurt you. If you have a cellular phone, dial *47 (*HP) for the nearest Highway Patrol dispatcher or *KTA for assistance on the Kansas Turnpike.
• Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash that results in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.

Last year we wrote an award-winning illustrated story about how to increase safety during this time of year you can read that here:

Emergencies happen: How to stay safe on the side of the road

During these busy summer months, you may encounter a stranded motorist on the side on the road or experience a disabled vehicle yourself. Blown tires and engine troubles are a fact of life while traveling. If you find yourself in either of these situations, the Kansas Highway Patrol has some tips to keep you safe.

If you experience a road side emergency and need to pull over do the following:

• Park your vehicle as far off the busy roadway as possible.

• Turn on your four-way emergency flashers (hazard lights).

• Stay in your vehicle until help arrives, especially at night or in inclement weather.

• If someone stops, crack your window and ask them to phone the police for assistance.

• If you must leave your vehicle along the highway, notify the police, sheriff or KHP of its location and the circumstances.

Remember, one of the best ways to prevent a roadside emergency is to maintain up-to-date maintenance on your vehicle.

What to do if you see someone who has a disabled car on the side of the road.

According to KHP, your personal safety is of utmost importance. If you see a stranded motorist on the roadside, do not stop your vehicle.

Instead, it is recommended that you call the KHP, or if you are traveling on the Kansas Turnpike, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and explain to them where you saw the stranded motorist. Here are the numbers below:

*47 to reach the Kansas Highway Patrol

*KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike

If you don’t have a phone, proceed to the next gas station or rest area to reach the numbers above.

Remember: If the vehicle’s emergency flashers are on, give them room. Slow down or move over if you can to avoid injuring the motorist or crashing into their stalled vehicle.

Visit the KHP’s Motor Assist Program to learn more about staying safe in a roadside emergency.

Want to know if your travel plans will be impacted by a crash or highway construction? Visit Kandrive.org for Kansas Highway Conditions.

Share your roadside emergency stories with us in the comments. How did you stay safe?