New law helps protect snow plow drivers and prevent accidents this winter

OAKLAND CO., Mich. (WXYZ) — Winter is just around the corner. This year, a new law is on the books to protect snow plow drivers and people driving in icy conditions.

If you break the law, you can get a ticket. The law was signed this summer and took effect immediately. So this is the first winter that this law will be in effect.

“Does this new law make you feel safer?” I asked Shawncey Walker, maintenance worker at the Road Commission for Oakland County.

“Actually yes, as far as we can keep the public away from us, let’s work, excellent.” Shawncey said.

Shawncey has been plowing roads for 32 years. He’s seen it all, including the drivers creeping up behind him.

‘It makes you wonder: why do they do that? You know what I mean if they need to be further away from the vehicle so we can all work in a safe manor, they can travel in a safe manor,” Shawncey said.

A new law should change that and give space to motorists.

The law states that drivers may not follow a snow plow more than 200 feet. However, there are exceptions. For example, you may pass a snow plow. But when stationary, drivers must remain six meters away from the plow.

I asked Craig Bryson from the Road Commission what the key points about this new law are that motorists need to know.

“Well, it’s for their safety first and foremost,” Craig said. “This law was created because too many people crashed into the back of a salt truck. They estimate that at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour it will take you more than 60 meters to come to a safe stop on the back of a salt truck. another vehicle.”

To give you an idea of how far apart 200 feet is, the trucks in the photo above are 200 feet apart. Ultimately, failure to follow this law could result in costs to you as it is considered a civil violation.

“That means you could get a ticket of up to $100 if you’re caught doing this,” Craig said.

But as I discovered from talking to people, $100 is quite a fine.

“I think that might be a little bit too much, I’d say about $50 give or take, right? I think $100 is a little high,” said Ken Kashat of West Bloomfield.

“It seems excessive, but I think once people get the hang of it and get used to the measure, get used to the fine, they will become sensible.” said Detroiter Carlton McAfee.

While a hundred dollars may seem like a lot, the people I spoke with said they thought the law was a good idea to keep everyone safe while driving in bad weather.

“Stay back, if they’re in the way, if there’s a lot of snow, it might be good for the city. Stay back,” said Southfield resident Coley Maxwell.

This law only applies if the teams have their work lights on and are actively cleaning the roads.