With the winter months comes snow! When the roads get bad, we can always count on snow plows to clear the way.  Although snow plows and deicing equipment make the roads safer for us, we need to be cautious when sharing the road with them. Here are five tips for sharing the road with snow plows:

1.  Begin slowing down when you see the snow plow, and keep some extra distance between you. It's recommended you stay at least five car lengths (or 70 feet) behind a snow plow truck. The extra distance will give you more time to react in the adverse weather conditions. 

2.  Don't stop too close. The trucks can also be spreading de-icing materials from the back of the truck and the salt may hit your vehicle if you're too close. The vehicle may also need to back up and, if you are too close the driver may not be able to see you!

3.  Give the snow plow truck room to do its job. Snow plow trucks are large, heavy vehicles. With the driver's blind spots, it's difficult to see around every area of the vehicle. Additionally, these trucks are heavy so they might not be able to stop quickly. Be patient and stay out of their way. If you're not in a hurry to get somewhere, don't pass them. Besides, the road behind them will be safer to drive on anyways!

4.  If you have to pass them, take extreme caution when passing and don't drive too close. The front plow may be wider than the lane it's in. Snow plows can also create clouds of snow that can reduce or eliminate your visibility.

5.  Give the plow some extra room in high risk areas. Areas where drivers are most at risk can include hills, curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges.