ITD trains snowplow operators on high tech 'simulator' and reminds motorists to prepare for winter

BOISE -- It looks like the kind of super-charged video arcade game you might see at the State Fair or in Las Vegas. The Idaho Transportation Department this week is training new, as well as more experienced snowplow operators on a truck simulator machine housed in a storage van in the back lot of its District 3 offices on Chinden Boulevard.

Computer-generated video is flashed across three large screens the size of front and side windshields. Trainees sit in what looks like the cab of a truck and operate machinery similar to a typical snowplow vehicle. For beginning snowplow drivers, the roads to be plowed are straight and without much hazard. For more experienced snowplow operators, the digitized video is fraught with obstacles -- such as maneuvering around an abandoned vehicle in the middle of a narrow road.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: The simulator machine will be at District 3 through Thursday (Nov. 5). If you would like to do a story about it, please contact June Sparks (334-8005) or Reed Hollinshead (334-8881) for an appointment. Reporters can try their hand at driving a snowplow using the device.

As winter weather approaches, ITD reminds motorists to use caution when traveling the state's highways during inclement weather and to cooperate with highway workers clearing the roadways.

Before beginning a trip, make sure car windows, mirrors and lights are clear of snow. Keep windshield washers filled with a non-freezing solution all winter.

Consider carrying an emergency winter driving kit in the car. The kit should include: flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit with a pocket knife, at least one blanket, an extra set of mittens, socks and a wool cap, a small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under the wheels, a small shovel, bottled water, booster cables, canned fruit, nuts and a non-electric can opener.

Motorists traveling on Idaho highways can use studded tires to improve vehicle handling. The use of studded tires is legal from Oct. 1 through April 30.

While it is legal to use the tires, the transportation department advises against it unless extreme conditions warrant. Studded tires are snow tires with small metal cleats embedded in the tread. Driving on studded tires may cause undue wear on bare roadways. All-season tires with good tread or "studless" tires are good alternatives for most winter driving conditions.

When driving near snowplows keep a few safety tips in mind:

- Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle.

- Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow's force can knock your car out of control.

- Do not cut back immediately in front of a snowplow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see.

- Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.

- Do not abandon your car unless it is absolutely necessary. However, if you must, leave it as far off the road as possible. Abandoned cars can interfere with the road clearing process and can be extremely hazardous to snow removal equipment and the operators if they are hidden or buried by snow.

- Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, ridges and overpasses. Since they are exposed on their undersides, bridges and overpasses are deprived of ground warmth and freeze more rapidly than the roadways leading to them.

For the latest highway and weather conditions call the Idaho Traveler Information Service at 5-1-1. For online updates, visit the Idaho Traveler Information Service Web site at 511.idaho.gov. Telephone and Web reports are available 24 hours a day and are updated as conditions change.