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.