Snowplows and their drivers are the big heroes of Arizona snowstorms.

We got to see that during two storms in January that dumped snow so heavy and deep that multiple highways, including Interstate 17, were closed. Now there’s a forecast for more snow this weekend, with the possibility of accumulation in the high country.

But one thing you can rely on is that snowy roads are in the highly trained hands of 400 operators and 200 plows.  

Drivers stand ready to work 12-hour shifts in 45-foot long, 30-ton machines, which costs an average of $320,000.

As technology improves, so does snow removal speed. Check out the cutting edge features new on ADOT’s plows:

• Cab heaters, so that drivers don’t have to idle.
• Heated windshields, to stop wipers from freezing.
• Backup cameras and a camera laser system, to help guide operators.
• Front flex plows that can bend in different configurations.

Also, TowPlows are in use along Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Williams. They are attached to plows and allow operators to clear two lanes on a single run.

Did you know the fleet also has snowblowers? These machines can clear out deep snow drifts, moving 4,000 to 5,000 tons of snow per hour and casting out 150 feet in white plume.

Additionally, 25 plows are equipped with new cameras that provide images to district offices. You’ve gotten to see some of these images on social media.

Remember: The safest place on a highway when it’s snowing is trailing a safe distance behind a snowplow. Always stay at least four lengths back. Always respect the plow. Don’t pass a plow unless it pulls over. If you can’t see the plow driver, there’s a good chance the driver can’t see you.

So what is the best advice for driving in a snowstorm? Don’t. It's best to delay travel if at all possible to allow plows to complete their work and avoid hazardous winter driving condtions. If you have to drive, check conditions at AZ511.gov or by using your AZ 511 app. Also check our Know Snow website to make sure you and your vehicle are snowstorm ready. 

ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at azdot.gov/ADOTAlerts will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway.

One of the great things about Arizona is snow is just an hour or two away by vehicle. But it’s important to resist the urge to just jump in the car and go instead of leaving prepared.

Part of leaving prepared includes checking road conditions at az511.gov before leaving. It also includes packing plenty of warm clothes and an emergency kit that includes things like a fully charged cell phone, blankets, food and water, medications you need and even kitty litter or sand in case you get stuck in the snow.

Leaving prepared also includes remembering these two things:

1. You may have to spend an extended period of time on the road due to weather or unplanned incidents. It's best to be prepared. 
2. It’s illegal and unsafe to parking along the highway to play in the snow.

Highway shoulders are for emergencies, and stopping there can put you, your passengers and other drivers at risk. First responders often need to use highway shoulders, and a snowplow can hurl snow and ice far off the highway. So use designated parking at snow play areas.

Also, it’s not uncommon for lots of desert dwellers to take the opportunity to head north to play in the snow. So, remember to pack your patience and expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas.

Check azdot.gov/KnowSnow for more winter driving tips.

Much like a football team makes a plan to win games, ADOT makes a plan to “win the winter season” by helping to keep highways clear of snow and ice. With thousands of miles of state highway located in areas where it snows, ADOT must carefully plan and deploy its resources to high-priority needs first.

Those high-priority needs are interstates like I-40 and I-17 that carry hundreds of thousands of vehicles and trucks everyday. Many of ADOT’s 200 snowplows will be deployed along an interstate like I-40 right before a winter storm so they are ready to go when the first snowflakes begin to fall.

State routes with lower traffic volumes are considered secondary routes because not as many vehicles use these roads. Once the interstates are cleared, ADOT snowplow operators will take care of these local state highways.

ADOT will also “block” certain state highways (that means close) as part of its game plan. SR 67 leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, state routes 261, 273 and 473 in the White Mountains and SR 366 heading up Mount Graham in southern Arizona all close for the winter.

These highways receive a lot of snow during the winter, so given that plus the fact that these roads end at destinations like the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it makes sense to close these roads so ADOT can keep its snowplows focused on interstates and other state highways. Crews return to these highways in the spring to plow them and get them ready for reopening.

It’s important for you to have a winter game plan as well. That plan includes leaving prepared before heading to the snow.

Check az511.gov before you leave to check road conditions. Download the ADOT Alerts and AZ 511 apps. Wait out the storm if possible to give ADOT’s snowplows time to clear the highways of snow and ice. Also, take a fully charged cell phone, warm clothing and an emergency kit that includes blankets, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter.

Check your vehicle before heading out in winter weather, making sure – at a minimum – that the tires, heater and windshield wipers are in good shape.

You can formulate your game plan at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Think it doesn’t snow in Arizona? Think again!

Driving in snowy and icy road conditions require some extra caution and planning. ADOT’s snowplows keep the highways in Arizona's mountain areas clear of snow and ice to help everyone stay safe. Operating these powerful machines are drivers who receive a lot of training, including spending time in a snowplow simulator machine. That training is important, since a new snowplow costs from $303,000 to $340,000, depending on the plow’s configuration. ADOT has about 200 snowplows. 

There is a lot to learn about snowplows at an ADOT website we call Know Snow. You also can check out our Know Snow YouTube playlist with videos about snow, snowplows and winter driving. Both links will take you to lots of safety tips. Most of these safety tips are for drivers, but here's one every kid should know: Never play in the snow next to a highway. One reason is that snowplows throw A LOT of snow and ice way off the roadway. You don't to be in the way when that's happening!

Download and print the snowplow-focused activity you see here to color. You can also read safety tips for your next trip with your family to play in the snow!