For this year’s snowy season, drivers in one state are encouraged to do much more than slow down when driving on an icy road. One state’s drivers are urged not to drive too close to snowplows and to stay at least 200 ft behind an operating snowplow. Not obeying this rule will result in fines of about $100. This law was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in July to prevent snowplow-related crashes throughout the state.
Drivers are legally required to stay 200 ft behind the snowplow
While the law remains relatively simple, the Michigan State Police understands that snowplows are large machines, which could be harmful when you follow them too closely. Snowplows weigh 30 tons in comparison to the 2 tons that light motor vehicles weigh. A collision with a snowplow can cause more harm than good.
Another aspect of snowplows is that they generate thick “snow clouds,” which could hinder visibility for up to 200 feet, and this could pose a serious problem for drivers following too closely behind. Since the snow cloud coverage can expand for 200 feet, drivers may feel that they are following a snowplow at a safe distance; however, it can cause more harm than good.
With the new law in place in the state, drivers are motivated to stay 200 feet from the moving vehicle and about 20 feet from the plow stopped at the intersection. All officers can issue citations and warnings at their own discretion.
The law is driven by multiple snowplow crashes
Although the law may seem relatively strange, it is mainly due to the increase in snowplow crashes. In the state, 20 plow-related crashes were recorded in 2021, with 19 plow-related crashes having been recorded in 2022. The number of accidents has resulted in lawmakers and road agencies pushing for improved safety rules.
The law was sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, with the goals of reducing collisions and protecting motorists in mind. To keep snow-clearing operators working all through the snowy season, this initiative had to be taken. With this law in place and local governments long supporting the change, fewer crashes are to be expected.
The law, however, is applicable in other states as well. In Wisconsin, drivers are fined $175 for following behind snowplows on certain highways. Now, this state is putting these provisions in place while adding specific distance benchmarks.
What tips is the state giving drivers to avoid fines?
The Office of Highway Safety Planning in Michigan is encouraging drivers in the state to follow a few essential rules to avoid receiving fines. Drivers are encouraged to:
- Leave extra space-Officials are urged to leave 6 to 10 car lengths between the vehicle and the snowplow.
- Passing the plow- It is not illegal to pass a plow on the left, but passing the plow on the right is illegal and strongly discouraged.
- Move Over Law- Since snowploughs are covered by Michigan’s Move Over Law, drivers are required to reduce their speeds by 10 mph below the speed limit and shift lanes.
- Slowing down- Drivers must slow down and increase the distance from the centerline, using the wipers to counter the snow.
By following this law, drivers in this state can avoid the $100 fine for driving far too closely to snowplows. In other states, drivers can be ticketed for driving with ice or snow on their cars, as per a new rule in several states as well.
Michigan has implemented the snowplow rule
As per the official statement from the Michigan Department of Transportation, drivers in the state are expected to plan and rely on tools like the MDOT’s Mi Drive map to offer data on plowed routes and road conditions in the state. Since staying 200 feet behind is the new law, all drivers in the state are expected to obey the law. Since Michigan is also the state that has been increasing its speed limit, and with 75 mph being the new limit, drivers will need to adjust to all the changes.