WisDOT, WCHA recognize snowplow drivers on Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day

Governor Tony Evers proclaimed today (Dec. 1) as Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin to celebrate the men and women who brave winter’s worst to keep Wisconsin’s roads safe and passable. Together with the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA), the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds motorists to slow down and give space to snowplow drivers to safely do their jobs.

“Wisconsin’s snowplow drivers are the unsung heroes of winter,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Through snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, they work day and night to keep our roads clear and safe. We thank every snowplow driver, mechanic, and support staff member who helps keep Wisconsin safely moving – no matter what the forecast brings.”

For more than 100 years, Wisconsin has maintained a unique partnership with the state’s 72 county highway departments. During the winter, county highway workers keep interstate, U.S. and state highways safe by snow plowing, salting and applying liquid brine. WisDOT works closely with Wisconsin counties year-round to establish best practices and test new tools for safety and efficiency.

“If you’ve arrived safely to an important meeting or event during a harsh Wisconsin winter storm, thank a snowplow driver,” WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden said. “Our snowplow drivers take great pride in clearing the roads and maintaining public safety in winter and WCHA appreciates each and every one of them.”

Wisconsin allows flashing green warning lights on county or municipal maintenance vehicles – in addition to red or amber lights. The green warning lights increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

To join in thanking snowplow drivers across the state, Wisconsinites are encouraged to share messages of appreciation on social media using the hashtag, #ThankAPlowDriver.

WisDOT offers these safe winter driving tips:

• “Know before you go” with 511wi.gov or the 511 Wisconsin mobile app to check road conditions, live video from traffic cameras and possible incidents.
• Buckle up, phone down. Every trip, every time.
• Watch the road ahead and leave room to brake, especially in slick conditions.
• Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions.
  • Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal.
  • Slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. If you can see the plow’s mirrors, the driver can see you.
• If you must pass a snowplow, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Road conditions in front of the plow are likely worse.
• Don’t be over-confident if you operate a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Those vehicles still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roads.
• During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.