Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting is asking drivers to be cautious when approaching highway maintenance vehicles.
Mainroad noted that passing a plow truck can put the driver, passenger, plow truck operator and the driving public at risk.
They said it's important to keep a safe distance and always stay alert. The plow truck operator might not be able to see you. Even though you can see them.
Mainroad also warns that plows are wide and can extend across the centre line of the highway.
Also, on some highways and bridge structures, two or more snow plows may be staggered across multiple lanes with the plow in front pushing snow towards the plows behind. Mainroad said that is an effective way to quickly clear wide areas — so they want to remind drivers to stay behind these plowing operations and refrain from trying to pass.
Snow plows and salt or sand trucks can throw up snow and spray making it difficult to see. Snow plows have limited visibility and plow truck operators cannot see directly behind their trucks.
"Remember the road surface ahead of the plow hasn’t been plowed yet therefore please slow down and be patient," Mainroad wrote in a press release. "The operator will eventually pull over and let you pass safely."
They advise driving to the conditions, slowing down and increasing the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
Slow Down Move Over regulation protects roadside workers. You can be charged $173 and three penalty points for failure to adjust your speed appropriately or failure to move over.
Visit www.drivebc.ca for road and weather information. Report changing road conditions to Mainroad’s 24 hour hotline: 1-800-665-4929.