ST. PAUL, Minn.—With winter looming just beyond the horizon, motorists are reminded that they can help the Minnesota Department of Transportation safely clear the roads of snow and ice  by cooperating during winter driving conditions. 

“Our snow plow operators are some of the best in the world,” said Lt. Gov./Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau. “They will do their part to get the roadways clear and safe. But we need your cooperation. Drive according to the weather conditions. Stay back from plows. Take your time.”

Each year, Minnesota records an average of 93 crashes involving snowplows, Molnau said. The crashes result in an average of 16 injuries per year. “And most of those injured are driving the vehicles that run into plows,” she said.

“Safe, sensible drivers are key to our efforts to keep the state’s highways safe,” said Molnau. “The best choice for motorists during a snowstorm is to not travel. But, if you have to drive somewhere, take your time and give the plows room to work.”

To assist and educate motorists, Mn/DOT has updated its Winter Workzone web site.  It can be found by navigating to www.mndot.gov, and clicking on the snowplow graphic.

Molnau noted that Mn/DOT is working with several other state agencies and a group of safety organizations to sponsor the Winter Hazards Awareness Week. “This diverse group has developed a wonderful web-site full of ideas and tips that will help all of us stay safe during a long Minnesota winter,” Molnau said. 

Molnau said the website, www.readyminnesota.org, includes a link to the Mn/DOT Winter Work Zone Safety web site.  The Mn/DOT site has information about winter driving safety for media., educators and the general public.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for drivers to approach winter with caution and patience,” she said. “The information we are providing can help drivers realize the benefits and the risks of driving carelessly during winter.”

When the snow starts to fly, more than 1,500 Mn/DOT snow fighters will be prepared to clear the 12,000 miles of state roadway this winter. Other Mn/DOT workers will use various types of technology to direct snow plow operators with constant updates on weather, pavement and traffic conditions. 

“We use the technology and roadway information systems to more effectively remove snow and ice,” said Bob Winter, Mn/DOT’s director of district operations. “By using these tools, we make the most of our resources, getting the most for every dollar we spend on our work.”

For example, Mn/DOT maintenance supervisors can choose to use anti-icing chemicals before a winter storm begins to keep ice and snow from bonding with the pavement surface. Or, if a storm has started, the best choice might be to use de-icing chemicals in addition to plowing to remove snow and ice from the roadways, said Winter.

Most Mn/DOT trucks have onboard equipment that sprays the multi-ton loads of sand and salt with brine or other liquid chemicals that jump-start the salt’s snow-melting capability and helps the sand and salt stick to the road surface.

To coordinate the snowplowing effort, Mn/DOT uses radio communications that link snowplows with each other and with a supervisor. Managers can move plows to where they are most needed or divert snowplows to support law enforcement agencies in case of a crash or other highway emergency.

“Our snow plow operators are well-trained, experienced and very dedicated to their jobs,” Winter said. “They take their charge very seriously. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated work force that is willing to do what it takes to keep our roadways clear.”

Mn/DOT urges drivers to follow these safety steps this winter:

• Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. Drivers should allow at least five car lengths between their vehicles and snowplows.  The road behind the plow will be the safest place to drive;

• Be particularly aware of black ice conditions on surfaces such as bridge decks and entrance and exit ramps;

• Turn on headlights and turn off cruise control settings.

Motorists can obtain timely weather and road condition reports by calling 5-1-1 or logging onto www.511mn.org. 

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