Snow Plow OperatorsBismarck (CSi) Governor Jack Dalrymple has proclaimed February 24-28 Snow Plow Operator Week in North Dakota. This week the state recognizes the efforts made by all snow plow drivers to keep roads maintained and safe for travel for motorists throughout the winter. 

“The state’s snow plow operators work days, nights, weekends, and holidays to safely move people and goods across the entire state,” says Grant Levi, North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director.

NDDOT employs approximately 355 snow plow operators who work hard to clear state highways as well as serve as the departments’ eyes and ears on the road, reporting on actual conditions that are then implemented onto our Travel Information Map. Hundreds more snow plow operators work for cities and counties clearing snow and ice from local roadways allowing travelers to get to work and school. 

The NDDOT reminds motorists that sharing the road with snow plows is important. By following a few basic tips, you and your passengers can reach your destination safely:

  • Stay back. Sometimes snow plows have to stop and back up and they often spread sanding material.
  • Know where the plow is on multi-lane roadways. The plow could be in either lane or on the shoulder.
  • Be extremely cautious when passing a snow plow. They can be moved sideways by snow drifts and hard snow packs.
  • Never drive through “white-outs” caused by cross winds or plowing light snow. Be patient and wait until you can see. Snow plows pull over and stop to allow traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.
  • Motorists should be aware of the “Move over Law.” If you approach a snow plow or other NDDOT maintenance vehicle with flashing lights that is stopped on the shoulder of a multi-lane road, you must move over to the lane that is not next to the snow plow or vehicle, if it is safe to change lanes.

 

To learn more about winter driving safety and NDDOT snow plow operations please visit www.dot.nd.gov.