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How Can I Drive Safely around Snowplows?

Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Those Injured by Careless or Negligent Drivers.

No one likes to drive in wintery conditions.  Fortunately, we have road crews out salting and snowplows clearing the roadways to make our commutes a bit easier.  However, even while the snowplows are out making the roads safer, we still have to do our part and be careful while driving near them.

Unfortunately, a car accident with a snowplow is common, considering the slippery conditions and the sheer size of them.  Snowplows are massive; most weigh up to 30 tons, and the width of a plow can sometimes take up more than a lane.  Snowplow drivers also have limited visibility and are driving for hours on end, so do yourself and them a favor by driving as cautiously as possible when they are nearby.

Here are a few more tips on how to drive safely during the wintery weather, and particularly when the snowplows are out:

  • Slow down. It is never a good idea speeding near a snowplow; not only are the roadways most likely icy or slippery, but also snowplow drivers probably cannot see you. Snowplows also must account for debris or broken-down vehicles in the roadway, so they have to make sudden movements at times.  Speeding will only cause an accident; driving slow gives you more control and others more time to react to you.  Always allow enough room between yourself and the snowplow and let them clear the road for you.
  • Be alert. Even if you are driving cautiously around snowplows in wintery conditions, this does not mean others are as well. Be as alert as possible and be patient; be aware of your surroundings so that you have enough time to react and slow down if necessary.
  • Do not pass. You should never try to pass a snowplow, but if you must, never do so on the right side, or the blind spot, of the driver. Make sure to use your turn signal and allow plenty of room between yourself and the plow when passing.  Some snowplows have a wing plow, which extends up to 12 feet.
  • Do not tailgate. Snowplow drivers cannot see behind them and are focused on the job up front, so never tailgate a snowplow. They sometimes have to make sudden and erratic movements, so tailgating will likely lead to an accident, especially when the road is slick.  Be patient and just allow the plows to work; to be efficient, plows must travel below the speed limit of some areas, so just follow suit and do not follow too closely.
  • Use your headlights. Always turn your lights on when it is snowing out or when visibility is poor. Use your low beam headlights; high beams, combined with the whiteness of the snow, can blind you and others.
  • Know how to handle skidding or slipping. Should you start to skid or slip in the snow, take your foot off the gas and try not to brake. Slowly steer your vehicle into the direction your car is skidding, and you can start straightening the wheel when the car starts to catch itself.

Driving through the snow and ice every year can be troublesome for some motorists.  Be patient when the snowplows are out and allow them to do their job.  When they do that, the road is clear and easier to traverse, allowing you and your loved ones to get to your destination safely.

Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Those Injured by Careless or Negligent Drivers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident this winter season, reach out to the Egg Harbor Township car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm.  Our knowledgeable legal team has years of experience with cases such as this and is ready to help you get the compensation for which you are entitled.  Call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we assist clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and across South Jersey.