Collisions between snow plows and power equipment can damage plows and vehicles, create electrical shock hazards to the snow plow operators and general public, and cause power outages. But with 30,585 miles to cover, safety is number one for the minnesota department of transportation mndot snow plow operators. Snow from the lead plow is passed to the following plows until all lanes are. Wisconsin department of transportation november 26 is. Clear roads also focuses on raising awareness about winter driving safety with. Snow plow parts, western plow parts, snoway, snowplows.
Everblades reminds everyone that driver awareness and school bus safety are critical to protect our youth on their journey to and from school. The plow could be equipped with a wing blade on its left or right side, which can be obstructed by the snow its throwing. Equipment hazards plowing safety photo courtesy rtv6 a snow plow driver was airlifted to a local hospital after driving his truck into the path of an oncoming train. This is why situational awareness training is so critical for masstransit operators. This is joe smith we all know him and at times we are him. The colorful video, designed for grades 2, 3 and 4, features a snowplow driver named wendy who explains snowplow safety tips to children. The goal of the bulletin is to prevent personal injury to operators and to protect the general public from injury or property damage. While you may want to avoid a snow plow because of its slow speeds, when weather conditions are poor, its not a bad idea to stay behind the plow at a safe distance. Snow plow safety, snow plow training video youtube. Snow plow safety tips for operators make sure youre well rested make sure youre well rested before your shift. Everblades encourages school bus safety everblades. We have surveyed a range of different safetyrelated topics in order to raise awareness of road safety issues among drivers.
With the winter driving season getting underway, gov. Stay back and let them safely do their job of clearing the road for you. Defensive driver awareness for construction driving defensively helps motorists stay safe when faced with common vehicular hazards. Fatigue is a serious safety hazard for any motor vehicle operator. The 3day snowplow truck training course combines classroom experience with handson training. Every driver on the road has a responsibility to help students get to and from school safely. Plowops is a subscriptionbased snow plow tracking service. When a plow is being driven, it can create a snow cloud behind it. Driver medical fitness for duty driver medical fitness for duty. Joe started his day like any other a boring safety meeting and rushing to get on the road. Winter automobile safety snowplow safety snowplow safety. The reminders are part of winter driving awareness week, which is january 10 16. This strategy is equally important on construction sites, where vehicles, equipment, and workers must coexist safely to avoid accidents that could cause serious injuries or even death. A drivers licence and 10th grade education is required, and other prerequisites may also include whmis training and.
This program is targeted towards 2nd or 3rd grade students. You would be hard pressed to find a snow plow video that does a. He was driving down the three lane highway in the middle lane doing 40 miles an hour. It encourages young children to play safely in snow by staying away from roadways and snow plowing equipment. Environmental factors causing fatigue in equipment.
As authorized western and snoway dealers for close to 50 years we know our plows we offer complete installation and repair on both brands and stock hundreds of thousands of dollars in parts, so we almost always have what you need, when you need it whether you are interested in a complete new plow, a removal and reinstall of an old plow, or just a truckside install for your existing plow. Drivers should avoid following the snowplow too closely, since the cloud of snow can interfere with visibility. This allows you to travel on a plowed road rather than a snowy, slippery road. In 2011 we explored the views, beliefs and habits of licensed drivers in relation to summer driving, particularly while on holiday. Snow plow safety is something that every snow plow driver must be aware of. A freight train derailed in the winter of 2004 in the canadian town of whitby, ontario. To encourage safe driving and improve driver awareness of safety. To help protect your workers against these winter hazards, we have collected the best free winter safety resources for you. Motorists are urged to say thank you by driving safely near plow trucks all winter long. Apply to snow plow operator, maintenance person, snow shoveler and more. So how can you safely make sure that yourself or others are not harmed during this process. A snow plow driver may have restricted vision, so you may see them before they see you. To begin your free trial, please register for a new. Remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before you drive.
Driving conditions in the winter months can be full of treacherous hazards including, winter ice, poor visibility, strong winds, snow, rain, and more. Remember to drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between vehicles. Safe winter driving campaign the state of new york. Snowplow safety texas department of transportation. Systems are designed for snow plows, trail groomers and other heavy industrial vehicles, but are completely customizable based on your specific needs. A not for profit organisation helping educate people in making better choices while driving. Increase overall awareness, safety and visibility with the backup camera system for snow plows. Access free posters, videos, fact sheets and more to share at work, home and in your community. On road many snowplow training videos focus on the mechanics of operating different kinds of plows use of an auger, spreader rates, when to plow, etc. Winter driving safety youtube snowplows travel much slower than the posted speeds because it is most effective for clearing roads. Snow plow operator training originally developed by brian barrottand larry nelson of mndot in the late 90s developed a training course for first time plow operators wanted to get rid of the heres the keys, be back in.
Benefits and further research since snowplow drivers work in emergency conditions and. For the crews responsible for operating these giant machines there is not much time for them to get onthejob training. Drive cautious around school buses and in school zones. Welcome to safeopedias driver safety meeting topics. Plow driver arrested after striking officer, evading police. Check out our dont crowd the plow television and radio public service announcements. The plow could be equipped with a wing blade on its left or right side, which can be obstructed by the snow. Snow plow safety checklist with winter here, the following checklist may be of help when your townshiproad district begins plowing streets and removing snow and ice.
Txdot snowplow operators are extremely safetyconscious, but they need your help. Such programs identify superior driving performance and set forth the selected drivers as examples to be emulated by the rest of the fleet. Most illinois municipalities have the proper equipment and employees to safely remove snow and ice from streets. Watch out for blind spots the plow drivers field of vision is limited. Importance is placed on general awareness, preparation and respect for the other drivers on the road. Colorado springs after a crash tuesday morning in colorado springs, a district 20 plow truck driver is dead.
Distracted driving awareness month in april is a united effort to recognize the dangers of and eliminate preventable deaths from distracted driving. The dangers of passing an active snow plow krzak rundio law. First snow or ice drivers usually arent prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow. As a fellow driver on the road or as a kid having fun in the snow, its important to be aware of the risks posed by snow plow snow removal. Paint the plow the paint the plow program is a way for penndot and the local community to cultivate public awareness and promote winter driving safety on state roadways. It was snowing the day that joe had his accident, snowing hard but the job needed to get done. Driving awareness safety toolbox talks meeting topics. To help stay out of harms way, consider the following safety tips when. Snowplow safety also pertains to the people who are working hard to keep roads clear in the winter. Provided by the minnesota department of transportation, this nineminute video, teaching materials and teachers guide are free and are available to all elementary school teachers. Scott walker has proclaimed monday, november 26, as snowplow driver appreciation day in wisconsin. The survey indicated a high level of awareness of effective techniques for reducing driver fatigue, such as naps, breaks or body movement. The simulatorbased training approach improves critical driving skills, enhances decision making abilities, and increases the safety of your operations.
Book training for snow plow truck operation with irwins safety today. Plowops snow plow tracking and assignment software. However, snowplow drivers were less likely to actually use these techniques. Snow plow safety tips from the bc transportation ministry driver. The reminders are part of winter driving awareness week, which is january 1016. Snow plow drivers need training too in states where snow might fall every winter, but is unlikely to do so, municipalities need to keep snow plows on hand to handle the white stuff. Landline and cell phone users can call 511 for regional and statewide reports on traffic congestion, road and weather conditions, construction work and other obstacles. Snow plow simulator training snowplow driver simulation training nipsta presents this oneday interactive program to enhance snowplow drivers performance by training safely and effectively while operating a vehicle in the most extreme simulated conditions. Plow it safe electrical safety hazards when plowing. Snowplow drivers are particularly susceptible because of the conditions under which they. There is still a duty to work with due regard for the safety of all persons and operators are still liable for the consequences of their reckless disregard for the safety of others. The plow also may be the first of a series of two to four more plows, staggered diagonally across the road to clear all lanes simultaneously.
Snowplow drivers provide a critical public service that helps to ensure continued operations for businesses. Inclass, participants learn relevant provincial and federal snowplow regulations, inspection techniques, safety tips, defensive driving, and when weather conditions require the deployment of snowplows. Backup camera system for snow plow rear view safety. Salt for treating roads tripled in price in 2008 and 2009 forcing. In other words, snow plow operators will not get a ticket for going through a stop sign or having the plow blade slightly over the centerline if they do it in a. Not only must commercial drivers contend with other motorists, dangerous weather conditions, and wandering wildlife, but they must do so while operating large rigs, often carrying heavy and sometimes dangerous cargo. Sheriffs lieutenant on the scene says the plow driver slowed for the stop sign at the tracks on county road 151 west, but did not stop. Mndot trains plow truck drivers at camp ripley morrison. Tips for avoiding these 4 road obstructions safelite. Get the right safety moment or safety meeting topic for your next tool box talk.
Commercial drivers license commercial drivers license. This quick reference guide highlights snow removalsnow plow safety practices. Colorado state patrol responded to the crash on gleneagle drive, just south of the. When considering snow plow safety, it doesnt only apply to the snow plow operators. Faacs immersive snow plow driver training simulators create vivid virtual environments that have been demonstrated to improve safety and efficiency on the road in all winter weather conditions. Sleepiness reduces reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment when driving. Snowplow safety also pertains to the people who are working hard to. While most people wont have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. The video material provided below offers guidance to motorists on what they should do when encountering snowplows, work zones, and other new and unfamiliar driving situations, such as. Distracted driving awareness month national safety council. Tailgating or driving in the lane beside a snow plow is not safe.
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of driver fatigue, which include the eyes closing or going out of focus, repeated yawning, irritability. Improve operational awareness know driver status and location, and receive realtime conditions reports. In contrast to private citizens, they have to look out for their own safety and the safety of their passengers and the safety of the public at large who are moving under their own power all around them. The 511 phone information system provides road safety information 24 hours per day. The office of risk management has training available for anyone who operates a stateowned, leased or rented vehicle for state business. Safe driving recognition or incentive programs should be an integral part of a formal fleet safety program. This would require the unwise driver to make multiple unsafe passes. Winter in minnesota presents additional challenges to utility workers as well as additional hazards for home and business owners. Snow plow drivers need training too traffic school online. Do snow plow drivers have to obey the vehicle and traffic law. The association is a member of the winter safety driving alliance. Driver awareness training office of risk management. The survey indicated a high level of awareness of effective techniques for reducing. If you cant see the plows side mirrors, the driver cant see you.
Every year, mndot offers two training opportunities at camp ripley for new plow operators to learn how to operate the truck safely. Snow plow safety safety toolbox talks meeting topics. Get road smart driver safety education center national registry of medical examiners csa website related documents. Snow plow safety this quick reference guide highlights snow removal and snow plow safety practices. Commercial grade backup camera system specifically for snow plows. The drivers field of vision is severely restricted behind the truck, and the driver must rely on mirrors to see to the rear and side of the truck. High school students are invited to paint creative, original artwork onto a penndot snowplow blade based on the statewide theme dont rush in ice and slush. Inspect all trucks and plows, immediately before and after each use, and document the inspections. Plowops helps state and local municipalities drastically improve the safety and efficiency of their winter operations. Take special care when plowing near power equipment.
The faacs snow plow training simulators are designed to give finetuned, compelling training experiences to both new and veteran snowplow operators. From a workplace safety standpoint, some of the hazards associated with working in winter weather include. The mndot work zone safety awareness program wzsap is a public education program that works to promote safe driving in winter and summer highway work zones. Sudden exertion, like moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on the heart. With faac snow plow driver training solutions drivers increase safety and. Ice and snow take it slow snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit. This is where youll find videos, articles, and tips all regarding driver safety.