Drivers have been warned to keep their distance around snow plows this winter – and the legal requirement may be more severe than many think.
Public Works officials in Spokane County, Washington state recently unveiled their snow response plan after recent severe weather.
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The county is responsible for more than 5,100 miles of paved, gravel and dirt roads — all of which are mandated by its own snow plows.
As KREM2 News reported, County Commissioner Josh Kearns said, “This winter, the county has a budget of $4.5 million for snow removal.
With sand and snow removal equipment in stock in all four road areas, our equipment fleet includes 38 snowplows and sanding trucks, 34 graders and 4 snow removal trucks.
“During a major snow event, crews will first clear emergency routes and major arterials before moving to secondary arterials and residential neighborhoods.”
The tools available to them include newly purchased grading chains, grading blades and the addition of East Blades – used in thick layers of compacted snow and ice on road surfaces.
“These blades chew up the layer of ice, making it easier for sand and de-icer to work their way in and soften the ice so it can be scraped off,” added Kyle Twohig, Senior Director of Public Works.
However, drivers using roads throughout the county have been warned to stay at least 50 feet behind snow plows and other snow removal equipment while they are in operation.
It is also important to never pass these vehicles on the right.
It is also suggested that drivers keep emergency supplies in their vehicles including a medical kit, flashlight, shovel, traction sand, and blankets.
Thanksgiving week saw temperatures drop below zero and severe storms occur across the United States.
Flights were canceled due to the weather, while many cars were stranded during the resulting travel chaos.
Temperatures have dropped as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the Far North, while much of the Midwest is seeing lows in the 20s or 30s.
One of the main problems drivers face in the winter months is fog and fogging on windshields, but fortunately a little-known trick has been uncovered that can help keep your windows fog-free.
Better yet, it simply takes a $9 item that you may already have in your kitchen cupboard.
Car owners should also keep an eye on the warning light on the dashboard when temperatures start to drop.
Failure to do so could result in a very expensive tire repair bill soon after.
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