VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With a large winter storm on the horizon for Wednesday and Thursday in Southwest Michigan, the Van Buren County Road Commission is reminding area residents of some basic safety tips regarding snow plows.
“During the winter months, the Van Buren County Road Commission performs many duties, but snow and ice control are the most noticeable,” officials wrote in a statement. “When you consider the working conditions, including visibility and traffic, they are probably the most dangerous. That’s why it is very important for residents, especially children and newly licensed drivers, to know what they can do to help snow plow operators.”
The list of tips, provided to WKZO, can be viewed below:
- Don’t build snow forts, make tunnels, or play in or on snow banks next to roads.
- Keep well away from the edge of the roadway as you wait for the school bus, get the mail or watch the plow trucks.
- Stay away from the end of a driveway when a snow plow is approaching.
- Keep sleds and toys away from the roadways at all times.
- Keep garbage cans up in the driveway if it snows on garbage collection day.
- Wear your seatbelt and always allow extra time to reach your destination – especially on snowy days.
- Don’t attempt to pass a snow plow vehicle while they’re plowing.
- Plow drivers have limited visibility and they cannot see directly behind their trucks.
- Plus, plows can suddenly move sideways from hitting drifts or by cutting through packed snow. Motorists are advised not to travel next to a plow.
- Don’t crowd the plow.
To view the storm warning from the National Weather Service, click here.
