LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) launched a campaign to educate motorists about how to deal with snowplows on roads.

MDOT stated that despite a decrease in funding for state and local agencies that has forced them to change their plowing priorities, snowplows will still be out on state roads and drivers need to be aware of how to maneuver around them and their crews safely.

MDOT offered the following tips:

Snowplows have limited visibility and drivers cannot see directly behind their trucks;

Snowplows often throw up snow clouds, reducing visibility on all sides of the truck;

Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Motorists should not text or talk on cell phones while they are behind the wheel. MDOT noted that texting while driving is illegal in Michigan;

Motorists should never attempt to pass a moving snowplow on the right. With new wing-plow technology, the blade can clear the shoulder and the lane of travel simultaneously. Motorists attempting an illegal pass through a snow cloud on the right and/or shoulder of the road most likely won't see the plow blade and run the risk of a serious crash;

Motorists should always wear a safety belt and allow extra time to reach destinations this winter.