Ask a Trooper: Snowplow crash statistics

Question: How many snowplow crashes are there in Minnesota each year?

Answer: I was able to find statistics from 2010-2014.

• 2010-322 crashes, two fatal.

• 2011-257 crashes, one fatal.

• 2012-170 crashes, one fatal.

• 2013-393 crashes, two fatal.

• 2014-457 crashes, zero fatal.

As you can see there are far too many incidents that involve vehicles that are making our roads safe for all of us when the road conditions become hazardous.

Here are some snowplow safety tips:

• Call 511 or visit www.511mn.org before leaving on your trip to get current road conditions.

• Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt.

• Turn off your cruise control.

• Stay behind the snowplow. The road behind a snowplow is safer to drive on.

• Never drive into a snow cloud.

• Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.

• Stay back at least five car lengths, and preferably 10, behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.

• Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They also may travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.

• Slow \u0009down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at\u0009slower speeds.

Snowplow vehicles also assist law enforcement with crashes and other emergency situations on the roadways. They provide us extra lights and traffic control when needed. I had investigated crashes where snowplows had been struck by passing vehicles and almost all of them were preventable.

Remember to move over when you see flashing lights, it's the law. The law states:

• When traveling on a road with two or more lanes, drivers must keep over one full lane away from stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated-ambulance, fire, law enforcement, maintenance, construction vehicles and tow trucks.

• Reduce speed if unable to safely move over a lane.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN, 55811; on Twitter @MSPPIO_NE; or by email at neil.dickenson@state.mn.us .