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Thruway Authority Urges Motorists to Exercise Caution Near Snowplows During Winter Season
The New York State Thruway Authority reminds motorists to be aware of their surroundings while traveling near snowplows on the Thruway System during the winter season.
"The Authority's snowplow operators have the important task of keeping the Thruway clear of snow and ice for motorists during the winter season," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "While the plow operators are doing their part to keep the highway safe, motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution when traveling near snowplows."
On average, approximately 14 vehicle/snowplow accidents occur on the New York State Thruway each year. The Authority has developed the following guidelines to keep this winter's driving season a healthy and safe one for Thruway customers:
- During inclement weather, motorists are encouraged to continuously evaluate conditions.
- The safest place to drive during a snowstorm is in the lane a plow has just cleared. Motorists should always maintain a safe following distance behind the plow; do not tailgate.
- Motorists should always be able to see the plow's mirrors; if a motorist can't see the plow's mirrors, the snowplow operator will not be able to see the vehicle traveling behind.
- Be mindful of the flashing arrows on the rear of a snowplow. The large flashing arrows on the rear of a plow are used to indicate which lane should be used for passing, if necessary. For example, when a snowplow is displaying a right arrow, it means the left lane is being plowed and motorists should travel and pass in the right lane.
- Motorists may also encounter tandem plowing while traveling the Thruway. Sometimes, in three or four-lane sections, two snowplows are used to clear two travel lanes at once. Motorists should never attempt to pass between these tandem plows. If a motorist needs to pass a plow, they should follow the direction provided by the flashing arrows and pass safely on the indicated side.
- When passing a plow, motorists should signal their intentions to pass and complete the pass as soon as safely possible. Never ride along side and keep pace with the plow.
- In order to remove snow as efficiently as possible, specific snowplow routes are utilized. To maintain these routes, snowplows must use assigned U-turns while plowing the Thruway. Motorists are reminded to remain alert for plows waiting in the U-turn area; the operator will wait for a safe opportunity to continue the plow route where they will accelerate to a maximum plowing speed of 35 mph.
- Motorists should be observant for snowplows clearing medians, travel plazas, rest areas, toll plazas and tandem lots. Motorists should scan the road ahead and behind them for snowplows. Give a plow plenty of room, and be mindful that plows may be spreading salt on the roadway, while clearing snow.
"All motorists traveling the Thruway are encouraged to be alert and arrive safely at their destinations," said Fleischer. "Motorists are also reminded to stop and take a break at a travel plaza if they feel drowsy or find their attention wandering while driving."
In the event of an emergency, breakdown or minor accident, motorists are advised not to stop within or near travel lanes. If the vehicle can be driven, motorists should travel to the nearest exit or safe location. If the vehicle is inoperable, motorists should activate four-way flashers and stay inside the vehicle until authorized personnel arrive to provide assistance. In an event of an emergency, motorists are advised to call either 911 or 1-800-842-2233 to report the situation. Travelers are advised to never walk along the roadway, as it is extremely dangerous.
Motorists may obtain information on Thruway road conditions 24 hours a day by calling toll-free, 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929). The Thruway's TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1- 800-253-6244. Information regarding winter travel can also be obtained on the Authority's website, www.nysthruway.gov, by selecting Winter Travel Advisory from the homepage. The latest forecasts by the National Weather Service (NWS) for regions along the Thruway are available on the Authority's website at www.nysthruway/weather/. Local NWS weather forecasts are also broadcasted on the Thruway Authority's Highway Advisory Radio.
The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers and the media via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority's website at
www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.
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