Ask a Trooper

[Lee Borgersen]

                    Ask a Trooper:

How many snowplow crashes happen each year in Minnesota?
 
By Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol  Apr 10, 2016

 
Q: How many snowplow crashes are there in Minnesota each year?

A: I was able to find statistics from 2010-14.

2010: 322 crashes; 2 fatal
2011: 257 crashes; 1 fatal
2012: 170 crashes; 1 fatal
2013: 393 crashes; 2 fatal
2014: 457 crashes; no fatalities
As you can see, there are far too many incidents that involve vehicles that are making our roads safe for all of us when road conditions become hazardous.

Here are some snowplow safety tips:

Call 511 or visit 511mn.org before leaving on your trip to get current road conditions.
Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt.
Turn off your cruise control.
Stay behind the snowplow. The road behind a snowplow is safer to drive on.
Never drive into a snow cloud.
Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
Stay at least five car lengths (preferably 10) behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.
Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They also may travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.
Snowplow vehicles also assist law enforcement with crashes and other emergency situations on the roadways. They provide us extra lights and traffic control when needed. I have investigated crashes where snowplows had been struck by passing vehicles and almost all of them were preventable.

Remember to move over when you see flashing lights — it’s the law. The law states: When traveling on a road with two or more lanes, drivers must keep more than one full lane away from stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated — ambulance, fire, law enforcement, maintenance, construction vehicles and tow trucks. Reduce speed if unable to safely move over a lane.

Sgt. Neil Dickenson is a public information officer with the Minnesota State Patrol. A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Send your questions about traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol, 1131 Mesaba Ave, Duluth, MN 55811. Follow him on Twitter at @MSPPIO_NE or email