PHOENIX ‒ Every winter, snowplows play an essential public safety role by clearing snow and ice on Arizona roadways. But when motorists fail to give plows enough room and aren’t careful when traveling near these oversized vehicles, it creates a hazard and makes it more difficult for operators to perform what’s already a challenging job.

“Drivers should stay back at least 100 feet or more when following a snowplow and be aware the plow may need to come to a sudden stop,” ADOT Occupational Safety Manager Bob Stulz said. “The safest place is always well behind a snowplow, but if you must pass, do so cautiously when weather conditions warrant and avoid staying in the snowplow operator’s blind spot for too long.”

ADOT has 450 employees with the extensive training and commercial driver licenses required to operate snowplows. During winter storms, operators typically work 12-hour shifts.

The department has 200 snowplow trucks in its fleet. While most are in places that see the most snow, snowplows are stationed in all of ADOT’s seven regions, including three operating out of the East Valley.

Highways that are typically easy to travel during the summer months can become icy or snow-covered during the winter, especially during major storms. In addition to being extra cautious on snowy and slippery roads, travelers should expect delays in wintry conditions and budget extra time. Motorists need to be aware that posted speed limits are for normal driving conditions. When roads become wet and slippery, slow down.

“With most slide-offs occurring due to drivers traveling too fast for the conditions, it’s essential that all motorists be prepared to slow down and maintain good visibility during heavy snowfall,” Stulz added.

Snowplow operators urge drivers to follow these precautions so everyone stays safe on the road:

• First and foremost, never assume that a plow driver knows you are nearby. If you can’t see the plow driver, there is a good chance the driver can’t see you.
• Always keep a safe distance behind a snowplow ‒ the rule of thumb is four car lengths. Plowed snow can create a cloud that reduces visibility, and spreaders on trucks throw de-icing agents or sand that can damage vehicles.
• Never stop too close behind a plow truck. You never know if the driver might need to back up.
• Never pass a plow truck, especially if it is pushing snow or clearing ice. Some trucks are equipped with a second side plow blade that can be hit by a passing vehicle.
• Watch for snowplows operating in multiple travel lanes or in tandem.
• If approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.
• It’s important for both large and small vehicles to share the road with snowplows. In addition to driving, plow operators are also focused on what’s going on inside the cab and with situations on the roadway. Snowplows need extra room to turn, so avoid getting into their blind spots.
• Just because a plow truck has been through the area, drivers shouldn’t assume the roadway is completely clear of snow and ice. Don’t speed, and always use caution in winter driving conditions.
• Nighttime plowing is far more difficult than daytime plowing, so use extra caution around snowplows after dark.

For information, visit ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features real-time images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) is a great resource for travelers, too.

PHOENIX – With weather updates important to traffic flow and the safety of motorists, an innovative partnership between the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona State University will provide real-time forecasts to those managing our highways.

Beginning in January, a meteorology graduate student from ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning will work as an intern in ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center, helping crews respond rapidly to winter storms and other weather challenges to clear highways and potentially prevent closures.

“This is an exciting step forward for public safety,” said Brent Cain, assistant director for ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management & Operations division. “This will allow us to have better information about weather conditions so we can more quickly determine how to deploy our crews and communicate with the public. All of that will make Arizona roads safer.”

Randy Cerveny, ASU President’s Professor in the School of Geographic Sciences and Urban Planning, said the setup also will allow top students to experience how meteorology can provide service to people in many areas.

“Most people only think of meteorologists on television, but by far most meteorologists work in settings like this one,” Cerveny said. “This is a real-world, real-time application of meteorology in a way that can help people all across Arizona.”

Paul Panhans, a first-year meteorology student and U.S. Air Force veteran, will begin working with ADOT in January. He said his experience interning with the National Weather Service will allow him to work closely with that agency.

“I will liaise with the National Weather Service and add in my own work to provide ADOT with the best possible weather forecasting,” Panhans said. “I expect to be able to help with such things as visibility, wind and freezing precipitation.”

For more information about ASU, visit asu.edu.

For more information about ADOT, visit azdot.gov.

PHOENIX ‒ Winter’s worst is still ahead as the El Niño weather pattern promises above-normal precipitation, but with storm systems heading into Arizona starting this weekend, travelers should prepare for rain, snow, strong winds and the potential for blowing dust.

As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service was calling for locally strong winds reaching up to 55 mph across eastern Arizona, followed by colder temperatures and scattered rain and snow continuing into Saturday. Between 2 and 5 inches of snow was expected in the White Mountains, eastern Mogollon Rim and northern Gila County, with higher totals possible.

A second, colder storm system was forecast to pass through next week, creating the potential for 1 to 4 inches of snow in higher elevations.

With public safety its top priority during winter storms, the Arizona Department of Transportation deploys resources quickly before, during and after to keep highways safe for travelers, limit highway closures and clear snow and ice as soon as possible. ADOT’s 200 snowplows are serviced and ready, and 450 snowplow operators are trained and on alert.

Because of Arizona’s diverse climate, travelers can drive from sunny and moderate conditions in the low desert to ice and snow in the mountains in just a couple of hours. They should leave prepared to drive in snowy and icy conditions.

With that in mind, ADOT offers these tips:

• Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution if snowplows are on the road.
• Wear warm clothing.
• Be aware that ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
• When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least four car lengths. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are.
• Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing snow and ice off the road.
• Make sure your tank is at least three-quarters full.
• Notify someone of your route, destination and expected arrival time.
• Pack an emergency preparedness kit that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cellphone and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Brake slowly to avoid panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
• Increase the distance between you and traffic ahead.
• Carry plenty of food and water, as well as any medications you need.
• Carry tire chains and snow cables, or use snow tires.

For more information on driving in wintry conditions, please visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out, drivers can call 5-1-1 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, which features real-time images along highways that provide a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) is another great resource.

PHOENIX ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for the winter season effective Tuesday, Dec. 1.

ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A remains open during the winter.

In addition, State Route 473, a 10-mile-long highway that provides direct access to the Hawley Lake recreational area in the White Mountains region, is closed for the winter.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

• Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.V
• Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, water and snacks.
• Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
• If stopped on the roadway, leave room for emergency vehicles to get around you.
• Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
• If you slide off the roadway, stay with your vehicle. The Department of Public Safety or ADOT will respond.
• Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
• Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

PHOENIX – With Arizona experiencing another wave of snow in the high country this week, drivers should be prepared for what may be a busy winter-weather travel season on the state’s highways.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety say drivers should plan ahead if their travels could include encounters with snow or ice. ADOT has a fleet of more than 200 snowplows across the state and more than 400 trained snowplow operators prepared to clear highways this winter. Giving snowplow operators plenty of room to safely do their jobs is among the following key safety recommendations for drivers to observe:

• Slow Down – drive according to road conditions, including operating at slower speeds and avoiding sudden acceleration on snow and ice.
• Leave Extra Room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. 
• Give Snowplows Space – slow down and stay at least four vehicle lengths behind a plow.
• Be Prepared – bring extra clothes and gloves, maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas, keep your cell phone charged and pack extra drinking water, some food and all necessary medications. Pack items that would help in case you encounter an unscheduled highway closure.
• Pack an Emergency Kit in your vehicle – it should include blankets, a flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container of sand for traction and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Beware of Black Ice – especially at night when melting snow can turn to slippery ice. And remember, ice tends to form on bridges first and can be hard to see.
• Stay Up to Date – Visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov to get the latest highway condition information.

Depending on the severity and frequency of snow and ice in the state’s high country, ADOT usually spends between $5 million and $8 million on snow-removal operations during a winter season. Nearly 190,000 gallons of fuel were used to keep snowplows and support vehicles running last winter.

Did you know ADOT has three snowplows stationed in the Phoenix area? The trio of plows is kept at the agency’s Mesa maintenance yard and is most often used to clear snow and ice from sections of State Route 87 north of Fountain Hills, if and when a winter storm delivers snow to that area.

ADOT has helpful information about driving in winter weather conditions, including what to include in an emergency kit, at azdot.gov/KnowSnow . The site also provides an overview of ADOT’s efforts to clear snow and ice from state highways each winter.

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds drivers to be prepared as a mid-week storm system crosses the state. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. Winds up to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph are possible and motorists should be ready for low visibility due to blowing dust. Even though monsoon season is over, blowing dust is possible throughout the year.

Along with wind and dust, drivers may encounter snow in the high country, especially above 6,000 feet. Travelers should be prepared for winter driving conditions and pack an emergency road kit. For more winter driving tips, visit /KnowSnow.

ADOT works closely with the National Weather Service and the Arizona State Troopers to inform motorists about road conditions. Drivers are advised to use extra caution along Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 and be prepared for a dust storm.

ADOT recommends the following driving tips when encountering high winds or dusty conditions:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
• If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
• Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can, away from where other vehicles may travel.
• Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
• Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
• Be aware that any storm can cause power outages to overhead roadway lighting and traffic signals. Drive with caution and treat all intersections without signals as having stop signs in all directions.

For more information and driving tips, please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

PHOENIX — Every winter season, Dave Harmon spends many days and nights plowing snow and ice to clear the highways in the Holbrook area. The hours are long, the weather can be treacherous, and the conditions are challenging, even dangerous at times, especially when drivers don’t give the plows enough room to work.

It’s easy to take for granted the important jobs performed by Arizona Department of Transportation snowplow operators, as they work around the clock during winter storms to quickly clear the roads in order to make traveling easier and safer along our state highways. Snowplow drivers offer some valuable tips to those traveling in snow country in order to keep everyone safe on the road.

ADOT Holbrook District snowplow drivers Dave Harmon, Kelly White and Beau Wagoner all agree that motorists can best help snowplow operators by slowing down and yielding to snowplows at a safe distance when plows are busy at work during snowstorms.

“Motorists should be aware that a plow’s top speed is about 45 miles an hour, and less in heavy snow,” said Harmon. “Drivers should stay back about 100 feet or more when following a snowplow. If they must pass, do so when sight distance assures safety. Motorists should be aware that occasionally things are hiding beneath snow and can be propelled to the side by the plow, such as wheel covers, asphalt chunks and rocks.”

ADOT has 450 employees who have extensive training and commercial driver licenses, which are required to operate a snowplow. During winter storms, operators typically work 12-hour shifts. The department has 214 snowplow trucks in its fleet, stationed in eight districts across the state.

Highways that are typically easy to travel during the summer months can become icy or snow-covered during the winter, especially during major storms. Travelers should be extra cautious on these snowy and slippery roads, expect delays in wintery conditions and plan ahead for extra travel time. That includes allowing more time when traveling around snowplows.

Snowplow operators offer these tips for drivers:

• First and foremost, never expect that a plow driver knows you are in the vicinity of the snowplow.
• Always keep a safe distance behind a snowplow, usually three to four times what you would normally allow behind another vehicle.
• Never stop too close behind a plow truck — you never know if the driver might need to back up.
• Never pass a plow truck on the right side if the plow is pushing snow in that direction — some trucks are equipped with a second side plow blade, which could be hit by a motorist’s vehicle.
• It’s important for both large and small vehicles to share the road with snowplows. In addition to driving, plow operators are also focused on what’s going on inside their cab and with situations on the roadway. Drivers should always use extra caution when approaching a plow truck from any direction.
• Snowplows need extra room to turn, so avoid getting into their blind spot area.
• Just because a plow truck has been through the area, drivers should not assume the roadway is completely clear of snow and ice. Don’t speed and always use caution during winter driving conditions.
• Nighttime plowing is far more difficult than daytime plowing, so use extra caution around snowplows after dark.
• If you can’t see the plow driver, there is a good chance the driver can’t see you either.

Here are some additional tips when sharing the road with snowplows:

• Never pass a snowplow that’s in the process of clearing snow and ice off the road.
• Stay back. Plowed snow can create a cloud that reduces visibility, and spreaders on trucks throw salt or sand that can damage your vehicle.
• Watch for snowplows operating in multiple travel lanes or in tandem.
• If approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.

More information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features real-time images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter feed is a great resource for travelers, too.