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.

PHOENIX – A major winter storm is forecast to push through Arizona and the Arizona Department of Transportation wants drivers traveling in the high country to be prepared.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the mountains and high deserts throughout northern and eastern Arizona. Snow levels may be as low as 2,000 feet. Rain is expected in the lower elevations.

ADOT crews have been preparing for the storm and will be working 24/7 to keep roads clear. Maintenance crews are checking the snowplows and making sure they are stocked with de-icing products. Additional snowplow drivers have been sent to areas expecting significant snowfall, like Flagstaff and Williams.

Drivers should plan ahead and be very cautious if planning to travel to the high country when the storm arrives. ADOT recommends drivers wait until conditions improve before traveling.

More safety tips for drivers:

• Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution around snowplows.
• Be alert: 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. Be safe and stay back!
• Never pass a snowplow that’s in the process of clearing snow and ice off the road.
• Maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas.
• Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
• Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
• Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
• Carry plenty of food and water, and all necessary medications.
• Carry tire chains and snow cables, or use snow tires.
• Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional 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.

Motorists traveling through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of some annual road closures as the winter season begins, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A handful of state routes across the state are closed annually for the winter due to significant snowfall. The routes are reopened in the spring.

• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park was closed Dec. 1.
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake was closed Oct. 16 for draining of the lake and dam repairs. It will remain closed for the winter.
• State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake will close Dec. 30. The four-mile-long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park Resort will remain open to provide access to the ski area.
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford was closed for the winter on Nov. 15. The closure is just beyond the turnoff to the Shannon Campground. ADOT may need to close more of the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

Additional information for motorists during the winter season can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” webpage.

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 images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

PHOENIX —Do you “Know Snow in Arizona?” If not, now is the time to get ready for the winter driving season.

As the first significant winter storm rolls into the state this weekend, delivering snow to high country areas, the Arizona Department of Transportation has been getting ready to respond to keep motorists safe while clearing snow and ice from highways.

The National Weather Service is forecasting up to three inches of snowfall at the 5,500- to 8,000-foot elevation, including 3-6 inches of snow possible above 8,000 feet due to a cold front moving into northern Arizona, beginning tonight and into Saturday.

Public safety is ADOT’s top priority during winter storms. ADOT resources are quickly deployed before, during and after storms to keep state highways safe for travelers. The department’s goal is to limit highway closures, and to clear snow and ice as soon as possible. To date, ADOT’s 214 snowplows are serviced and ready, 450 snowplow operators are trained and on alert, and maintenance yards are stocked with deicer materials and equipment.

ADOT’s yearly budget for snowplowing and winter storm maintenance is between $4 million and $8 million, depending on the severity of the winter season. This budget includes labor costs, equipment expenses, fuel and deicing agents.

Because of Arizona’s diverse climate, travelers can find themselves driving from the sunny, moderate climate of the low desert to ice and snow in the state’s mountain regions in just a couple of hours. Winter weather conditions can quickly cause havoc with travel plans and businesses. Motorists need to be prepared for hazardous driving in snowy and icy conditions — and they need to watch for snowplows on the road. With that in mind, ADOT recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution around snowplows.
• Be alert: 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. Be safe and stay back!
• Never pass a snowplow that’s in the process of clearing snow and ice off the road.
• Maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas.
• Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
• Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
• Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
• Carry plenty of food and water, and all necessary medications.
• Carry tire chains and snow cables, or use snow tires.
• Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional 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.

PHOENIX – Now that the hotter weather is upon us, the Arizona Department of Transportation and its outdoor workers are putting their preparations to survive the summer heat into practice.

ADOT’s highway crews take extra precautions during the summer months. Soaring temperatures are potentially dangerous for maintenance and construction workers. Typically, temperatures on asphalt or concrete are 15-20 degrees higher than the air temperature.

ADOT trains its employees to know that exposure to summer heat can be life threatening if not treated properly. Highway workers are taught to monitor themselves and their co-workers for signs of heat-related incidents and to use common sense when working out in the hot sun.

Heat safety training is vital for ADOT’s Safety and Risk Management Office. Workers who work in or are exposed to high temperatures complete heat stress awareness training, and first aid and CPR classes. Employees learn to identify the signs and symptoms of heat injury, and to observe proper work practices. This includes drinking enough fluids, taking adequate breaks and knowing first aid procedures for treating heat illnesses.

“It’s essential that our workers make every effort to prevent a heat-related illness,” said ADOT Administrative Services Division Director Sonya Herrera. “ADOT uses a variety of tools and techniques through heat awareness training, which gives workers the knowledge to prevent and address heat-related stress.”

In addition to training, ADOT uses various strategies to mitigate the effects of the heat:

• Projects are usually started earlier in the day before the hottest hours in the afternoon.
• Summer standards include switching some paving to nighttime shifts once daytime temperatures reach 100 degrees.
• Retrofitting highways with one-inch overlays of temperature-sensitive rubberized asphalt is typically avoided during the hottest months of the year.
• Employees who have not been working in hot environments are recommended to have at least a 7- to 10-day acclimatization period during which they need to take extra time to rest and replenish liquids.
• ADOT employees in the field are provided with cool drinking water. They also have access to sun protection gear, including hard hat sun shades; light-colored, long-sleeved safety shirts; and sunscreen.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation,  has a “Water-Rest-Shade” public awareness campaign which talks about the hazards of working outdoors in hot weather. For more information about this campaign, please visit www.osha.gov/heat/index.html.