Authorities: Be cautious of snowplows, winter roads

Although the snow has stopped falling, drivers need to remain cautious with snow still on the roads and the Iowa Department of Transportation reporting 12 wrecks statewide with its snowplows in the recent storm.

When visibility is poor and/or the road is wet, snowy or icy — slow down. Conditions are continually changing and can be very unpredictable. To help maintain control of the vehicle, avoid excessive actions while steering, breaking or accelerating.

“The road conditions can change in a second. They can be completely dry and no problem and then within the next mile they could have black ice and snow,” said Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty.

When approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots — slow down. Those areas have a higher potential for developing black ice, which is a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface and is difficult to see.

Winter roads often result in longer stopping distances, so leave extra room between vehicles. When pulling out into intersections, do not take chances and assume that a vehicle can slow down or that your vehicle can accelerate quickly. Snow and ice covered streets do not give the same control as dry pavement. When driving, leave the cruise control off to maintain complete control over the car.

While driving in snowy conditions, there is a chance that a snowplow will be in the path of your vehicle. Just during the last snowfall, 12 Iowa DOT snowplows were involved in collisions statewide. Most of the plows only had minor damage, but a few will be off the road permanently, the DOT said. When coming upon a snowplow, be aware that it often travels between 5 to 35 miles per hour and prepare to reduce your speed. Maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to stop as snowplows often need to make a stop or take evasive maneuvers to avoid stranded vehicles.

Because of its size and general purpose, be cautious of blowing snow coming from the snowplow or a snowplow concealed within the blowing snow. If you can pass the plow, make sure to have a clear view ahead and allow plenty of room when passing. Do not cut in too quickly in front of the plow. On two lane roads, operators will periodically pull over to let following vehicles pass. If visibility is poor, do not attempt to pass the snowplow.

It is never recommended to pass a snowplow on the right because of a wing blade that expands in that direction. Often that blade is hidden by blowing snow. Also, when two or more snowplows are working together to clear a road, do not attempt to pass.

Information on current road conditions can be found by calling 511 or at www.511ia.org. Weather conditions can be found at www.weathervew.iowadot.org or from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com