Should You Pass Plows? Top Safe Winter Driving Tips

Winter Driving Tips/Image Credit: Massachusetts Department of Transportation

DANVERS, MA - It happens every winter.

The first snow hits the region, and it seems that people somehow forgot how to drive in wintry conditions. Well, it is time to refresh your winter driving skills with New England’s first winter storm expected to impact the morning commute on Tuesday.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect from 8 Monday night until 1 Tuesday afternoon for southern and eastern Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service.

Check you local forecast for the New Year’s holiday week.

A winter weather advisory is issued, according to meteorologists, when snow and/or ice is forecast to develop, but accumulations are expected to be light. Any snow or ice would result in slippery conditions on untreated roadways and sidewalks. Motorists will need to be especially careful on bridges and overpasses where slippery spots can easily develop.

Safe Winter Driving Tips

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Pay attention don’t try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or any of the following from either your cell phone or landline phone.
  • Metro Boston: (617) 986-5511
  • Central Mass: (508) 499-5511
  • Western Mass: (413) 754-5511
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
• Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway.
• Don’t use the “cruise control” option driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that, if you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won’t help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction.
• Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows - stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right. (See additional information below.)
• Most importantly please remember to SLOW DOWN! Also, seat belts should be worn at all times - it’s the law.

Use Common Sense While Driving Near Plows

• Remember that the road in front of the plow is usually in much worse condition than the roadway behind the plow. Plows will typically travel under 35 miles per hour and there is always a temptation to pass them. For your safety, it is recommended that you stay a safe distance behind the snowplows.
• During plowing operations, visibility can be reduced by blowing snow and plow operators may need time to stop or move over to avoid stranded vehicles. Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the plow is very important in order to avoid accidents.
• Allow plenty of room when passing a snowplow. Do not cut back into the lane ahead of the plow too quickly since the blade extends several feet ahead of the truck. Some snowplows are equipped with a “wing plow,” a 10-12 foot extension off the side of the truck. Be aware that the hazard exists.
• When you see an approaching snow plow on an undivided roadway, move as far away from the center line as you safely can since blowing snow may obscure the actual width of the snowplow’s blade.
• Turn on your lights- to see and be seen. Brush the snow off your headlights and taillights frequently.
• Winter driving requires motorists to be careful and alert, but the most important tip for winter driving is: SLOW DOWN!