The Wisconsin State Patrol urges caution heading into winter to ensure snowplow drivers are able to clear roads safely throughout the season, the Wisconsin DOT reports. Crews are often working when other drivers are also on the roads, which can lead to dangerous conditions. There were nearly 300 crashes involving snowplows in Wisconsin last year.
Wisconsin state law requires vehicles to stay back from a working snowplow at least:
- 200 feet on a road with a posted speed limit more than 35 mph; and
- 75 feet on a road with a posted speed limit under 35 mph.
Snowplows must travel slowly to clear the roads, but passing a plow is generally discouraged. Plows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure visibility, and road conditions ahead of a plow are likely worse.
Additional State Patrol winter driving tips include:
- Before heading out, check here for road conditions or incidents along the route;
- Travel at slower speeds when necessary based on road conditions;
- Stay farther back from all vehicles to allow more time to stop if needed;
- Keep an emergency kit inside the vehicle, and have a fully-charged phone and charger for emergencies; and
- Stay buckled up inside the vehicle and call for help in the event of becoming stranded or sliding off the road.
