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Safety around snow plows explained in graphic

The graphic to the right, recently posted on ITD's Facebook page and Twitter account (and viewed by more than 10,000 people), was inspired by a diagram from the South Dakota Department of Transportation that was featured in the newsletter for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

Designed to explain what other drivers do not know about plow operations, the graphic was created by designer Jared Tuttle and District 2 Maintenance Engineer Bob Schumacher.

The average commuter likely has never been behind the wheel of a plow and may not realize the sheer size of the vehicle or the nearly overwhelming amount of controls to operate what most think is a simple truck.

"Our drivers across the state deal with the public every day," Schumacher said. "They're out on the roads in the worst conditions, driving equipment the public doesn't understand. I wanted to do something that would help with that."

Schumacher said impatient commuters try to pass plows, often in the worst spots on the road and at the worst time.

This graphic was designed to explain to other drivers the sizeable blind spots around a plow and the presence of a smaller wing plow.