December 11 is time to appreciate snowplow drivers

December 10, 2007

County snowplow crews keep roads open and safe for travelers

Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed December 11, 2007 as Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day, reminding motorists of the important role Wisconsin's 2,000 - 3,000 snowplow drivers play in keeping Wisconsin's economy open for business even during the coldest, snowiest months of the year.

Governor Doyle's proclamation notes that Wisconsin's economy depends on clear, well-maintained highways. It also urges all citizens of Wisconsin to reflect on the valuable service performed by snowplow drivers, to exercise caution whenever encountering snowplows on the highways, and to limit non-essential travel during the worst driving conditions to allow snowplow drivers to safely and efficiently clear streets and highways.

"Wisconsin's 'winter warriors' deserve our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation," Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi said. "They're frequently on the road before dawn and work well into the night to keep our roads open and commerce flowing. Because they do their jobs, we can do ours."

Secretary Busalacchi offered a few safety tips for driving during wintry conditions:

• Stay off roads until they are plowed.
• If you have to venture out, slow down, leave plenty of room between vehicles, and anticipate stops and turns.
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Remember: If there's ice and snow, take it slow.
• Give snowplows plenty of room to work. They're big and hard to see around.
• Don't pass a working snowplow - they can throw up a cloud of snow that could cause a whiteout and disorient you.
• Also, it's tough for snowplow drivers to see you. Don't crowd the plow. Make sure you can see the driver's mirrors so he can see you. Remember, it's the law that you stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow.
• And always remember to wear your seatbelt, drive sober, and keep your speed appropriate for the conditions - all essential when winter weather hits.

Secretary Busalacchi noted that each winter, there are around 17,000 vehicle crashes during winter months when roads are covered with ice, snow, or slush. Those crashes, on average, kill nearly 80 people and injure more than 7,000 people. Many of the crashes are caused by people driving too fast for conditions.

For more information, contact:
Michael Sproul
(608) 266-8680, michael.sproul@dot.state.wi.us