APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With another Wisconsin winter on its way, the Outagamie County Highway Department is being recognized for “Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day.”
This season, you may also notice new colored lights when plows are out on the streets.
As of April, county and municipal snowplows are now able to use green warning lights in addition to red or amber lights.
“There’s been some studies done that they feel that’s a very distinct color and we’re following what other states have been doing,” said Dean Steingraber, Outagamie County Highway Commissioner.
Currently, only one Outagamie county plow is outfitted for green lights. But as more new trucks come in, those ones will start to get outfitted as well.
It’s all in an effort to improve safety.
“I think it’s going to grab a lot more people’s attention than the yellow ones that have been around,” said Spencer Faulkes, a snowplow driver. “You see them left and right, whether it’s construction or what not. The green ones really catch your eye.”
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 24% of weather related car accidents occur on snowy, icy or slushy pavement.
“Everybody is really nice to you when you’re plowing the lane and they stay back away from you, but once you get a lane open, all of a sudden, it’s time for race day,” said Mike Robertson, a snowplow driver.
Robertson has been a snowplow driver for three years.
“I’ve had people spin out while trying to get around my wing and they’ll actually get around the front side of it and spin out because they lost it.”
There are no current state laws that prohibit people from passing a snowplow. But, it is illegal to follow one closely.
Snowplow drivers really emphasize staying at least 200 feet back. They say if you can’t see the snowplows mirrors, they can’t see you.
“They’re a lot wider and they may back up and if you don’t get out of the way, you’re going to get bumped,” said Steingraber.
Motorists can thank Wisconsin snowplow drivers by staying safe on the road this winter:
Before traveling, visit 511wi.gov to check road conditions and possible incidents. Download the 511 Wisconsin smartphone app.
Buckle up, phone down. Every trip, every time.
Watch the road ahead and allow plenty of following distance.
Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal. Drivers are advised to 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, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Remember that road conditions in front of the plow will likely be 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 roadways.
During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.
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