Snow Removal Season Tips

  • Be aware of backing snow-removal equipment. If you can't see the equipment’s mirrors, the operator probably can’t see you.
  • Don’t pull up directly behind stopped snow-removal equipment. The operator may need to back up; if you are close behind, the operator may not be able to see you.
  • Do not pass a snowplow on its right-hand side.
  • Please drive carefully; roads may still be slick, despite being sanded.
  • Be patient. Every reasonable effort will be made to keep roadways open. During a heavy snowstorm, all available operators and snow removal equipment will be on the road.
  • Do not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path. Plows must maintain a minimum speed for efficiency.
  • Do not park along narrow roads. Leave room for plows to get through safely. Park off the street whenever possible. If plows are unable to get through safely, the road will not be plowed.
  • Warn children about the dangers of standing or playing around snow-removal equipment, especially while waiting at school bus stops.
  • Discourage children from building snow caves where plows have created a pile. The plow will likely return to push the pile back.
  • Keep your vehicle a safe distance (100 feet) from snow-removal equipment; these vehicles may throw sand, stop or turn without warning.
  • Don't try to race or beat a plow through an intersection or pass in dangerous areas when a plow is moving slowly.
  • If you must pass, use extreme caution. Please honk your horn and flash your headlights to alert the operator that you intend to pass.
  • Joggers, walkers and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing and get off of the roadway (step into a driveway) to allow plows to pass without being forced into the oncoming traffic's lane; doing this with a 10- to 12-foot wide snowplow blade is difficult and dangerous.
  • Clear a path for melting snow and ice to drain within the curb and gutter to prevent ice dams and water from freezing on sidewalks.