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Driving can be tricky during winter storms such as the one just experienced here. For some, the need to travel wins out over being patient and waiting for weather to clear up and roads to be properly treated. That means some drivers are out and about at the same time as snow plows and salt trucks -- and not necessarily with a proper understanding of the rules of the road.
According to a report by FOX Weather, there have been at least 13 crashes involving snow plows in Ohio so far this year.
"Folks, I can't stress this enough: Pay attention and give our crews room to work," said Matt Bruning, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation. "There is NO reason for anyone to be hitting snowplows."
Bruning had taken to social media after not just the 13th plow hit across Ohio in 20 days, but the 4th ODOT crew hit in a single day. He begged, "Stop hitting our plows."
It's a simple matter of giving crews the time and space to do their jobs.
"These accidents could be avoided if drivers give us space," Public Information Officer for ODOT District 10 Ashley Rittenhouse said last week.
Don't follow too closely behind a snow plow -- stay at least 200 feet behind it. Never pass a snow plow on the right. Be aware of where the plows are on the road, and never drive through a snow cloud. Don't crowd the plow, and be aware of the driver's blind spots.
Winter driving can be dangerous enough. The men and women driving snow plows and salt trucks are doing their best to make the roads safer and get us all on our way. Be patient, and let them do their jobs without the added worry of having an over-confident driver crash into them.
They've got enough on their minds. The rest of us can show our gratitude for the job snow plow drivers do by not putting them at greater risk while they do it.