Snowplows are simply trucks that have a plow mounted in front to scrape away the ice and snow from the roads. Therefore, driving safely during the winters also means that you need to watch out for the snowplows and avoid their blind spots on the road.
Staying out of Blind Spot with a Snowplow
On the road, making yourself visible involves more than just using your turn signals. Drivers need to position themselves in the lane in ways that other cars can see them. They also need to be aware of a truck’s blind spot when trying to get around it. They should also leave extra space behind the truck so that they position themselves in more visible ways.
Keep in mind that larger vehicles will have larger blind spots, therefore, you have to make sure that you pass larger snowplows carefully. It is best to move around them from a distance and not beside them from a close proximity. This rids your chances of a collision if the truck decides to suddenly shift lane or turn.
Another important thing to note when driving behind the truck is that if you cannot see the side mirror of the truck, then the truck driver probably cannot see you. This problem is further elevated in the winter because there is very little visibility during the winter.
In the midst of heavy snow, it is very important that you are maintaining safe distance from the snowplow, and also keeping away from its blind spot. This will require you to maintain a reasonable space cushion between the surrounding cars and the snowplow.
Common Errors
There are a few common errors that you need to watch out for when new drivers practice keeping away from blind spots. First mistake is not being able to recognize that bigger vehicles have larger blind spots and moving too close to comfort. Overall, the blind spot is the area that snowplows and other cars cannot see in the mirror.
Snowplow Awareness
Weather hazards during the winter will make life very challenging for the snowplow driver. They put their lives at risk, deal with icy roads, work with poor visibility, and also sacrifice their sleep so that you can have a better road to drive on. They complete this thankless job by strategizing each route and making precise decisions to schedule their plowing.
The best that you can do in terms of appreciating them is not try to put them under pressure by honking at them and trying to get past them. Letting them work and keeping a safe distance until they do not stop is the best thing that you can do for the snow plow drivers, and also for your safety.
Trying to pass the snowplow puts you in the risk of getting in their blind spots along with many other risks. Thus, make sure that you are considerate to them when on the road.