Snow Plow Safety: A Review
December, 2009
Snow plow safety is something that every snow plow driver must be
aware of. The blowing, drifting snow mixed with the slick
pavement provides for hazardous conditions. So how can you
safely make sure that yourself or others are not harmed during this
process? Here are a few tips that might help you out:
1.) Be aware of your surroundings and know your route.
Always make sure you know what possible obstacles are within your
plowing area like mailboxes, fences, signs, posts, etc. This
can save damage to property and to your plow, which in the long run
will save you money.
2.) Always be tolerant and patient of other drivers or
pedestrians around you. Imagine yourself in their shoes;
seeing a huge truck drive toward you with a plow on the front is not
always the most pleasant thing.
3.) Watch your speed! This is a huge mistake many
plow drivers make when going about their jobs. In fact, many
of the accidents involving snow plows are created because the driver
was going too fast for the weather conditions. It might be
desired to get the job done faster, but it is not worth the injuries
to your body, the plow, or possibly someone else's body. Make
sure you are constantly keeping an eye out for ice or obstacles.
It is also helpful to know the road and weather conditions before
leaving to plow.
4.) Obey all traffic laws (i.e. wearing your seatbelt
at all times). This will save lots of trouble with law
enforcement and could save your life in the event of an accident.
5.) Make sure before leaving the vehicle after
you have done your job, that you cut off all power to the snow plow
and spreader.
6.) Get a good night's rest before going out to plow.
Although this is sometimes impossible to do, make sure that you are
not feeling too drowsy or sleepy. Falling asleep at the wheel
is obviously a devastating, fatal mistake.
Always remember these tips:
S: speed (don't go too fast)
T: tolerance (be patient of others around
you)
A: awareness (always know what is around you)
T: turn off power (cut power to the equipment
before leaving)
O: obey (follow all traffic laws)
R: rest (make sure you are not too tired to
drive the plow)
stator (n): the stationary part of a motor,
turbine, dynamo, or other working machine.