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Idaho Transportation
Department
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
Email


TV, radio spots emphasize caution when driving
near working snowplows

Connie Marshall drives truck for a living. At least in the winter.

She takes the helm of a yellow ITD snowplow truck when weather turns nasty and begins piling up in white layers on Idaho’s highways.Working out of District 3, Marshall will become a recognizable spokesperson for snowplow safety as the transportation department begins running radio and television commercials throughout Idaho this month.

“It’s my job to clear the roads so you can get to work safely, and the buses can get our kids to school safely,” she explains in the commercials.

Watch the video

Play the audio

The 30-second spots, both in audio and video format, encourage children to remain away from highway shoulders when snowplows approach because of the danger of snow, ice and slush thrown from the snowplow blade.

“Snowplows eject heavy snow and ice and can injure children if they’re too close to the road when I drive by,” Marshall warns. “Parents, make sure your kids stand back from the roadway when they see me coming. Together, we can all have a safe winter.”

The transportation department scheduled a concentration of radio and television commercials to air in south-central and eastern Idaho where snowplow safety is a growing concern. Seventy radio commercials are planned for districts 4, 5 and 6. Network television stations and cable outlets also will air between 220 and 235 video commercials on snowplow safety.

A lower concentration of spots is planned in Districts 1, 2 and 3.

In addition to warning children about the danger of passing snowplows, ITD encourages motorists to use caution when they encounter a snowplow engaged in snow removal on Idaho’s highways and offers the following tips:

  • Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you are driving, i.e. eight lengths if you are traveling 40 mph
  • 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 a snowplow on the side where snow, ice and slush is being ejected. The force of the ejected snow, ice or slush can cause you to loose control of your car.
  • If you pass a snowplow, do not cut back immediately in front of the truck. The plow blades often are covered with snow and can be difficult to see.
  • Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicles cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.

For other winter driving tips, visit the department’s winter maintenance Web site: http://www.itd.idaho.gov/highways/WinterMaintenance/WinterMaint-Drivers.htm

Published 1-20-06