Winter Road Maintenance Safety
As we gear up for another snowy winter, we offer the following:
- The OCRC cannot be everywhere at once, therefore the OCRC has to set priorities during daily winter maintenance activities. These priorities primarily reflect traffic volumes, speeds and other factors such as hills and curves can also affect priority.
- Winter driving legislation
Public Act 300 Section 257.627 - Motorists must follow Michigan's Basic Speed Law, which requires them to drive at a "careful and prudent" speed in all conditions.
Public Act 300 Section 257.643b - Motorists are required to stay at least 200 feet, or about the length of 12 cars, when following a snowplow. This does not apply when legally passing a snowplow. When a motorist approaches a snowplow from the rear that is stopped at or in an intersection, they shall stop not less than 20 feet from the snowplow. Snowplows have limited visibility, and drivers cannot see directly behind their trucks (important at intersections). - Snowplows often throw up snow clouds, reducing visibility on all sides of the truck.
- Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Motorists should not text or talk on cell phones while they are behind the wheel. In fact, texting while driving is illegal in Michigan.
- Motorists should never attempt to pass a moving snowplow on the right. With new wing plow technology, the blade can clear the shoulder and the lane of travel simultaneously. Motorists attempting an illegal pass through a snow cloud on the right and/or shoulder of the road most likely won’t see the plow blade and run the risk of a serious crash.
- During early morning hours, motorists should turn on their lights – increasing visibility.
- Always wear your safety belt and allow extra time to reach your destinations in the winter.
The Otsego County Road Commission appreciates your cooperation for the safety of everyone.
