Sharing the Road with Snowplows and Other Winter Maintenance Equipment

Snowplows and other winter maintenance equipment help keep British Columbia's roads open and safe during winter weather. Sharing the road with these vehicles requires patience and an understanding of how they operate.

Their size, the equipment they carry and the work they perform can create hazards for other road users. Give them room to work and resist the temptation to pass unless it is safe to do so.

Give Snowplows Room to Work

Snowplow operators have restricted visibility around their trucks. Although you may be able to see the plow, the operator may not be able to see your vehicle. Stay well back and leave enough room to react if the plow slows down, stops or changes direction.

Driving too close can also put you into a cloud of blowing snow, reducing your visibility and making it difficult to see the road ahead. Slow down and be prepared for changing road and visibility conditions.

If a snowplow catches up with you while you are travelling slowly on an uncleared road, don't assume that moving to the right will allow it to pass. The operator may need to keep the blade down to continue clearing the road, and passing could push snow onto your vehicle. Wait for a safe opportunity to get out of the way.

Don't Pass a Working Snowplow

The safest choice is to remain behind a working snowplow until it is safe to pass. Never attempt to pass on the right. Snowplows may have a wing blade extending from the side of the truck that is difficult to see, particularly when covered by snow.

If you decide to pass on the left, make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead and enough room to complete the manoeuvre safely. Do not follow another vehicle around a snowplow without checking for yourself.

Avoid weaving between snowplows. They may be working together to clear the road, and moving between them can put you in the path of equipment or expose you to hazards you cannot see.

Watch for Wing Plows and Tow Plows

A wing plow is mounted on the side of a snowplow truck and extends outward to clear snow beyond the width of the truck. It can occupy part of an adjacent lane or shoulder, so leave plenty of room when approaching or passing.

Tow plows are trailers pulled behind a plow truck. They can swing out to the side while working, allowing one vehicle to clear a wider area of roadway. Their movement may not be obvious to drivers approaching from behind.

Be Careful Around Sanding and Salting Trucks

Sanding and salting trucks may spread material while moving along the highway. Continuous application may be necessary on hills, curves and icy sections of road.

Slow down and allow these vehicles plenty of room. Avoid following closely, as material being spread can strike your vehicle or reduce visibility. Expect the road surface and traction to change as you travel through treated areas.

Expect Unexpected Movements

Winter maintenance vehicles may slow down, stop, turn or move across the road as they perform their work. They may also travel at low speeds or make movements that would be unusual for other traffic.

Section 120(b) of the Motor Vehicle Act provides an exemption from certain rules of the road for people and vehicles actually engaged in highway maintenance work at the site. This exemption does not apply while travelling to or from the work site.

Section 121 still requires drivers of those vehicles to exercise due regard for the safety of others, taking all circumstances into account. Other drivers should remain alert and give maintenance equipment the space it needs to work.

Park Where Snowplows Can Work

A vehicle parked on the road or shoulder can obstruct snow removal and create a hazard for maintenance crews. Do not leave your vehicle where it may interfere with snow clearing operations.

Under section 188 of the Motor Vehicle Act, an authorized person may remove a vehicle that interferes with snow removal. The vehicle's owner may be responsible for the costs of removal, care and storage.

Collisions Affect Everyone

A collision with winter maintenance equipment can seriously injure or kill the people involved. It can also damage the equipment and take it out of service while it is inspected or repaired.

When a maintenance vehicle is unavailable, fewer resources are available to clear and maintain the highway. Giving these vehicles room to work helps protect everyone and keeps essential equipment in service.

Learn More

• Clearing Two Lanes at Once explains how tow plows allow a single truck to clear a wider section of highway.
• Using Brine on the Highway explains how road crews use brine as part of winter road maintenance.
• Road Maintenance Standards describes the standards for highway maintenance in British Columbia.