Evers, WisDOT, WCHA urging motorists to help keep snowplow drivers safe

WISCONSIN – Governor Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) are reminding motorists to slow down and give space to snowplow drivers to safely do their jobs while urging drivers to pay attention on Wisconsin roads this winter.

“For more than 100 years, Wisconsin has maintained a unique partnership with the state’s 72 county highway departments,” WisDOT stated. “During the winter, county highway workers keep interstate, U.S. and state highways safe by snow plowing, salting and applying liquid brine. WisDOT works closely with Wisconsin counties year-round to establish best practices and test new tools for safety and efficiency.”

“Every winter, Wisconsin’s snowplow drivers show up no matter the conditions to make sure the roads are safe for you,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We are grateful for their commitment to keeping our roads clear, but we need to do our part to keep them safe. Please, focus on the road ahead at all times; be patient and give extra space to snowplows; and, when possible, avoid traveling during major winter storms.”

“With great gratitude, we appreciate the dedication of our snowplow drivers,” said WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden. “They work overnight, weekends and holidays so that we can get to where we need to be. WCHA stands with WisDOT in urging patience and vigilance for all motorists traveling during storms. Please be aware, and give the snowplows the room to work.”

WisDOT said Wisconsin allows flashing green warning lights on county or municipal maintenance vehicles – in addition to red or amber lights. The green warning lights are meant to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

“Motorists can thank Wisconsin snowplow drivers by staying safe on the roads this winter,” WisDOT stated, offering the following winter driving tips:

• Buckle up, phone down. Every trip, every time.
• Watch the road ahead and leave room to brake, especially in slick conditions.
• Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal. Slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. Make sure that you can see the plow’s mirrors to ensure the driver can see you.
• If you must pass a snowplow, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Remember that road conditions in front of the plow are likely worse.
• Don’t be over-confident if you operate a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. They still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roads.
• During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

“Before traveling, visit www.511wi.gov to check road conditions, live video from traffic cameras and possible incidents,” WisDOT said. “Download the 511 Wisconsin mobile app to ‘know before you go.’”