MDOT tips for safe driving around plow trucks

The Michigan Department of Transportation and other road agencies are out in full force this week to maintain roads during the extreme weather hitting the state.

MDOT officials are asking Michigan residents to avoid driving unless it’s absolutely necessary and to stay at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Snowplow operators also need extra space from drivers in order to clear snow from roadways, so MDOT is asking for drivers to give plow trucks enough room to groom. The agency also says to never try to pass a moving snowplow on the right, and not only because it’s illegal. The blades of new wing plows and tow plows can clear a travel lane and the road shoulder simultaneously. Drivers trying to pass on the right are risking a crash because they probably won’t see the plow blade through the cloud of flying snow.

MDOT says it has up-to-date information on road closings and traffic incidents on its website at www.michigan.gov/drive. It also has safe driving tips on its main page, www.michigan.gov/mdot. The Michigan State Police also has information available about state highway and freeway road conditions online at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions and by phone toll-free at 1-800-381-8477.