January 8, 2010 - Now that winter weather has set in across the Upper Peninsula, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding residents living along state trunklines to be careful as they plow snow.
"There are primarily two concerns: residents and businesses piling snow at the ends of driveways along the highway shoulder, and when snow is pushed across the road and leaves snow or slush on the road surface," said MDOT Superior Region Engineer Randy Van Portfliet.
The Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits "the obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush." This includes the end of driveways, where banked snow can reduce visibility for vehicles trying to enter the roadway.
"When the snowbanks get higher than your average car, it makes it very difficult for motorists to see other vehicles," said Van Portfliet. "Our crews work to keep the shoulders clear and we need residents and business owners to do the same."
Leaving a trail of snow on the pavement while plowing across the road also can cause problems. The snow can become packed and create ridges on the road, or, as temperatures change, the area can become icy.
"Careless plowing creates an added hazard to unsuspecting motorists and to road maintenance personnel," Van Portfliet said. "We need to work together to make sure we all get where we're going safely."
MDOT says: Remember - in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!
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