The snow stopped. You should be able to get in your plow and clear the roads easily, right?
Not necessarily. High winds and drifting snow can sometimes make the task a challenge.
So how do you plow safely and effectively in strong winds? We suggest keeping the following three factors in mind:
1. Open areas next to roads
Even if the road was cleared a few hours ago, open areas allow snow drifts to form, which can make driving conditions as dangerous as if you never plowed in the first place. In windy conditions, take note of open areas that might be susceptible to snow drifts, and then make sure you check back often to ensure they’re clear and safe for drivers.
2. Frozen snow drifts
You should also be mindful that snow drifts might be frozen.
Frozen snow drifts are heavy and can cause snow to stick to your moldboard. When clearing drifts, drive slowly to reduce the impact on the plow and your vehicle, and make sure to periodically check the blade to ensure that it’s clear of debris that might limit your ability to clear snow from the road.
3. Low visibility
In high winds, the snow that you are trying to push off the road can blow back into your line of vision. To reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others on the road, consider using a deflector on your plow and make sure you use your flasher lights so other drivers can see you.
Do you have any tips for clearing snow in strong winds? Please share them with us in the comments below.