Snowplow drivers are the unsung heroes of winter.
On a frigid winter morning before you’ve even made coffee… they’ve already been up for hours, plowing and salting roads and driveways so you can safely get to work.
Related: How NOT To Drive in the Winter
Driving a snowplow isn’t an easy job – but it’s worth it. Here’s what winter is like from the driver’s seat.
7 Things Your Snowplow Driver Wants You to Know
- Be patient. I’ve got to drive a little slower to do my job, and tailgating won’t make me go any faster. If a highway is backed up from an accident or poor conditions, I’ll be stuck in the same traffic jam you are.
- I need some space. It’s not you, it’s me. If you’re right behind or beside me, you could be in my blind spot or in the path of flying debris. For safety’s sake, keep about five or six car lengths between us. And don’t forget to turn your lights on!
- If you have to pass me, please do it safely. That means you shouldn’t sneak around me in a non-legal passing area (like a double-lined road). Remember that my plow is usually wider than my truck, and you might not always be able to see it through the swirling snow. If there are whiteout conditions or icy roads, it may be best to just hang back.
Related: Caught driving in a whiteout? Here's what to do
- Someone’s always first, and someone’s always last. I can’t plow everything at once. Please don’t take it personally if you have to wait a little longer. If I drive for your city, township or state… it’s likely that someone else higher up than me makes the plowing schedule, anyway.
- I take my job seriously. Life doesn’t stop in the winter. We all have jobs to get to, errands to run, and people to visit. When I’m out plowing, I think of my own family and friends – and especially, emergency vehicles – that need to get around, no matter the weather. It’s a big job and I don’t take it lightly.
- It’s not easy. In the winter, I’ve always got to be on call. Sometimes, plowing might not be my only job. On the snowiest days, I’ve probably been up since before dawn… and maybe even working double shifts. Someone’s got to do it – and overtime pay is nice! – but this job isn’t for everyone.
- …but some days, it can be fun. You absolutely feel like a little kid again when you first saddle up in a big truck. In the middle of a snowy night, it’s feels wild and free to be the only one on the road. Winter can be brutal – but it’s rewarding to know I can make everyone’s stormy days a little bit easier.
Can your auto insurance keep up with all winter throws at you? Learn more about auto insurance from ERIE or find a local agent in your neighborhood.
