Category: Miscellaneous

Every winter, the Utah Department of Transportation dispatches dozens of snowplows to keep driving conditions safe for motorists. Unfortunately, one of snowplow operators’ biggest struggles is being crowded or passed unsafely by passenger cars. This begs the question: is it legal to pass a snowplow in Utah? The shorter answer is yes. But to keep everyone safe on Utah roads, follow these tips when driving around snowplows.

Only Pass When Absolutely Necessary

It’s not illegal to pass snowplows, but it can be hazardous. UDOT encourages drivers to avoid passing snowplows altogether. When passing or driving next to a snowplow, you may get caught in the snow, ice, and debris that they are removing from the road. This can damage your car and increase your risk of crashing.
Additionally, plow blades are sharp and dangerous. According to Jake Brown at UDOT, these blades could tear a compact car open. If you attempt to pass a snowplow and find yourself skidding, you will be putting yourself, the snowplow driver, and everyone else on the road in danger.
Snowplows often travel under the speed limit, so it can be frustrating to be stuck behind one (or several). However, there’s a reason they’re out there– snow removal is a vital service. Keep in mind that the road in front and to the side of the snowplows will be extra snowy and icy. You’ll likely have to slow down after passing the plows anyway.

Never Pass on the Shoulder

If you absolutely must pass a snowplow, be sure to do so safely. Never pass on the right; plow trucks are designed to push snow and other debris to the right side of the road. Sometimes, they are equipped with a wingplow that crosses the line on the shoulder of the road. Wingplows can weigh as much as a compact car– if you accidentally hit one, you could damage your vehicle, seriously injure yourself, and endanger everyone on the highway.
If plows are driving in tandem formation (one in each lane of traffic, driving slightly behind or in front of each other), do not pass and refrain from changing lanes. You may encounter a snow cloud, which obstructs visibility. You may also pass over ridges of snow between lanes, which could cause you to lose traction.

If traveling on a two-lane road behind a single plow, you will need to wait until it is safe and legal to pass– wait for a passing lane or a dashed yellow centerline.
Do not ever attempt to pass a plow on the shoulder of the road. Shoulders are not subjected to the same ice removal as driving lanes, so you are far more likely to skid or spin out when driving on the shoulder.
Highway shoulders are also often covered in road debris that gets blown to the side as cars drive by. You may end up popping a tire on a nail or sharp object.

Give Snowplows Plenty of Room

Any time you drive in winter weather conditions, you should increase your following distance for all cars, not just plows. Typically, a safe following distance on snowy roads is at least 6-8 seconds.
It’s especially important not to tailgate snowplows. Plows regularly stop, back up, and/or drop deicer, such as salt brine. If you follow too closely, you may rear end the plow or get hit by deicing material. Give snowplows at least 3-4 car lengths of room. In heavy snowfall, give up to 200 feet of following distance.
Additionally, if you find yourself passing a snowplow driving the opposite direction, make sure you give them plenty of space to the side. Plow blades often cross the centerline and can hit your car if you aren’t paying attention.

Drive Safely for the Road Conditions

Keep everyone on the road safe by following these winter driving tips, whether you’re around snowplows or not:

• Leave early: Your commute on winter roads will likely take longer than usual. By giving yourself extra time, you can avoid the need to hurry.
• Check the forecast before you leave: If your travel isn’t absolutely necessary, avoid driving in winter storms.
• Slow down: The faster you are going, the more likely you are to lose control. Slowing down gives you more time to react to hazards in the roadway.
• Use your headlights: In a snowstorm or whiteout, your lights may be the only thing other drivers can see. Avoid using your brights, which may reflect off of the falling snow and blind you.
• Avoid sudden moves: When driving in winter weather conditions, jerking your steering wheel or slamming on your brakes can cause you to spin out.
• Stay alert: Pay attention to the road in front of you. If you come upon a hazard in the roadway, like a car accident or wildlife, you will need extra time to stop.
• Watch for flashing lights: In heavy snowfall, lights may be the only thing to alert you when you are coming upon a snowplow or the scene of an accident.
• Pay attention to and respect road closures: When roads are closed, it means the conditions are too dangerous for cars to use the roadway. Never attempt to drive on a closed road, even if it’s the fastest route to your destination. It will take much longer to get where you’re going if you get stuck.

The scene of an accident is certainly not easiest place to think clearly. Emotions are running high and the stress can make it very difficult to find the right words to say, let alone process the collision in general.
Unfortunately, you can do everything right behind the wheel and still be involved in an accident that was simply out of your control. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there are several statements you should avoid saying at the scene of an accident, especially if the crash wasn’t your fault.
In the following article, we will discuss what phrases can hurt your legal claim and potentially stop you from getting maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. If you have any questions about getting legal representation in Utah, you can contact our car accident lawyers with The Advocates below.

What Shouldn’t I Say at the Scene of an Accident?

One of the most common mistakes people make at the scene of an accident is giving an admission of fault. If you were not the at-fault driver, here are the following statements you should avoid saying to help maintain a strong legal claim.

• Do Not Say the Accident Was Your Fault- While this may seem like an obvious statement to avoid, many drivers unintentionally admit fault to a collision they didn’t cause. This is one of the most detrimental statements you can make and is usually said in the heat of the moment. Admitting guilt to an accident that wasn’t your fault can drastically impact how you are compensated for your injuries and the damages done to your vehicle.
• Do Not Apologize for the Accident- For whatever reason, it’s human nature to sometimes apologize for things we didn’t do. When involved in a collision, an apology can often be mistaken as an admission of guilt by the at-fault party’s insurance company and legal team. While you may want to say “I’m sorry” to help ease the tension from the crash, keep in mind that you have nothing to be sorry for and your apology can held against you.
• Do Not Speculate or Give Inaccurate Information- If you’ve been asked for a specific cause of the crash and do not know the exact answer, do not speculate or give inaccurate information. Giving a statement without concrete evidence can make it difficult to prove the other driver’s negligence if the information you’ve given is incorrect. You don’t want the at-fault party to misconstrue your words and portray you as the driver responsible for the accident.
• Do Not State “I am okay” or “I am fine”- Another common mistake accident victims make is giving statements about your state of well-being. While you may not notice your injuries at the scene of the accident, it’s very important to understand that some injuries take days or even several weeks to notice. Making a statement about your general health can be used against you and the validity of your injuries.

It’s no doubt that being in a collision can be traumatic for everyone involved. To avoid making statements that can harm your legal claim, it’s best to only speak about what is absolutely necessary. This includes sharing contact and insurance information, as well as gathering witness statements from the scene of the crash.

When to Contact The Advocates Law Firm

If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you should contact The Advocates right away. You will need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. While you focus on recovering, our legal team will take of the rest and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Contact The Advocates today at 801-657-4604 or chat with an attorney here on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate.