In large part, this preventive measure was put in place due to Ohio having four times the number of rear-end collisions as neighboring states.
With Ohio now mandating the use of rear-snowplow lights to help make the vehicles more visible, ODOT also wants to remind motorists not to “crowd the plow” and offers these safety precautions:
· Keep your distance: Give snowplows room to work.
· Beware of “snow cloud”: If you pass a snowplow, take extreme caution. The plow often creates a cloud of snow and ice that can be hard to see through.
· See and be seen: Because the equipment is so large, a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops.
It’s your responsibility as a driver to be on the lookout for snowplows and any other potential hazards.
By keeping these precautions in mind, we can reduce the amount of rear-end collisions around the state, making your winter-weather drive and the snowplow operator’s shifts a little safer.
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Transportation’s website at www.transportation.ohio.gov.
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