We’ve had our first snowstorm of 2012, but winter is far from over.  Each year, many drivers and passengers are injured in collisions with snowplows.  To reduce your risks, follow these basic tips:

• Use caution when approaching, following or passing a snowplow.  They sometimes need to take evasive action to avoid stranded cars or roadside obstacles.
• When traveling behind a snowplow, allow a longer follow distance.  Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit and may stop suddenly.
• Don’t brake suddenly in front of a snowplow.  Like other trucks, they have a long stopping distance, and road conditions warranting a plow truck only make that worse.
• Don’t crowd a snowplow.  Besides erratic manuevers and sudden stops, plows are also usually spreading anti-ice materials out the back.  Keep your car a safe distance away – 200 feet should be plenty.
• Don’t travel next to a snowplow.  Remember, they may need to shift left suddenly to avoid roadside obstacles.
• Check carefully before passing a snowplow.  Figure out to which side it’s discharging the snow to avoid getting coated in debris and losing visibility.  Remember, plows are generally larger than your car, and you may not be able to see all parts of the truck clearly.