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Now that winter weather is here, there has been an increase in car accidents as roads become covered in snow and ice. Officials say that most winter accidents can be prevented simply by reducing speed and using general caution while driving in hazardous conditions.
Road crews have already taken the plows out of the garage and begun the season’s first snow removal as winter weather has reminded us here in the Keweenaw that summer is only seven short months away. As we move into the next month, those plows will be out on the road more frequently and the Houghton County Road Commission would like to remind drivers to be mindful and cautious around plow trucks.
“The big thing about this time of year is that everyone’s got to learn how to drive in the winter again. Slow down. There’s a lot of ice in spots that takes us a while to get to,” said Houghton County Road Engineer Kevin Harju.
The Houghton County Road Commission maintains over 850 miles of paved roadways, some of them experience blowing and drifting snow that adds to less than favorable driving conditions. Harju said, “Be aware that if we get those winds and a lot of snow, visibility could be really difficult at times.”
A major cause of winter crashes is drivers passing the plow truck. Often times when a collision is caused that way, the passing motorist underestimates the width of the plow or forgets that the road conditions are worse in front of it as it has not yet been plowed. This can cause the passing vehicle to slide into the plow truck itself. “We did have a few accidents where people ran into our plow trucks, which is not a good situation,” he said.
Legislation was adopted last year that allows green and amber strobe lights on the plow trucks, making it more visible from a distance. Harju said, “You don’t necessarily have to go 55 miles an hour down the road. When we were checking roads, I would say the average speed on 55 mile an hour roadways was roughly 35 – 40 miles per hour. You may have 4-wheel drive and be able to take off but it doesn’t make you to stop any faster. Slow down and give some space and be courteous to the other drivers.”
A couple other safe driving tips include lowering the volume on the vehicles sound system and refraining from texting while driving.
“Bear with us and give the plows some room. They are out there trying to make the roads safe for everybody and they want to go home at the end of the day, too,” said Harju.
