ADOT’s snowplow operators prepare for winter season with immersive simulators
ADOT’s snowplow operators prepare for winter season with immersive simulators
With snow already falling in the high country, drivers across Arizona are counting on snowplow operators to clear highways. Operators of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 200 snowplows have been training since late summer on snowplow simulators in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
ADOT’s five snowplow simulators can be programmed with scenarios that are meant to mimic what operators may encounter on Arizona roads. Instructors can create different simulations that give operators the opportunity to drive in various weather and roadway conditions.
The simulator will react, allowing a snowplow driver to feel what it’s like to, for example, drive over railroad tracks or encounter an icy highway. Being prepared is important. During the busy winter season last year, ADOT snowplows covered 1.2 million miles, nearly twice as many as they drove during the 2021-22 winter season and operators logged more than 66,000 hours – more than double the previous season’s total.
This tool allows ADOT’s 400 snowplow operators to train before snow arrives. Simulators also have the benefit of not requiring fuel and operators can make mistakes, learn from them and do it again – no harm, no foul. This type of training saves money and helps make the roads safer for the traveling public.
While we’ve been prepping for winter, it’s important for motorists to do their part and get ready for winter driving conditions:
- Visit ADOT’s 511 Travel Information site or download the AZ511 app (free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store).
- Keep a fully-charged cell phone, drinking water and winter coats on hand when driving into snowy conditions.
- Check that your vehicle is in good working order with tires equipped to handle snow.
- Always stay at least four car-lengths behind a snowplow to avoid crashing into the massive vehicle.
Visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow for more tips on driving in winter weather.