Are You Ignoring This Simple But Critical Winter Driving Rule?

A summary of the key information is provided at the bottom of the article.

BUTTE, MT - Every year, the long Montana winters creep in with their familiar bite—icy roads, relentless snowstorms, and a sea of white that can obscure visibility for miles.

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But what if we told you that one common mistake is responsible for thousands of accidents, injuries, and even deaths on these icy roads?

Unfortunately, most Montanans continue to ignore this simple but life-saving rule.

And it’s costing us dearly.

Montana's Silent Danger

According to reports from the Montana Department of Transportation, over 2,000 accidents occur each year due to wintry road conditions.

It’s a deadly reality of living in Big Sky Country.

Snowplows—those 10-ton behemoths that work tirelessly to keep our highways passable—should be seen as saviors.

Instead, they are increasingly becoming targets of careless and impatient drivers.

The latest reports show that at least 18 snowplows were hit by vehicles on Montana highways last year alone.

For each of those impacts, the story is similar: a driver tailgates too closely, attempts a risky pass, or misjudges the speed and coverage of the plow’s wide blade. Sometimes, the outcome is nothing short of disastrous.

The Anatomy of a Snow Plow Accident

Imagine this: a storm rages across I-90.

Visibility drops to near zero as you cautiously navigate the highway.

Up ahead, a plow clears the way, spreading sand and salt.

You figure, “It’s just a slow truck. I’ll pass it.”

You edge into the left lane, only to hit an invisible patch of black ice just beyond the plow's cleared path.

Your tires spin out.

In seconds, your vehicle is in a ditch—if you’re lucky.

Why Are Drivers Taking These Risks?

The answer seems to boil down to impatience and ignorance.

Many Montanans don't realize how dangerous it is to be near a snowplow. Plows drive slower than regular traffic (often at 25 to 45 miles per hour), causing frustration for those in a rush.

But what they fail to consider is that plows are moving tons of snow, creating mini snowstorms behind them that can blind anyone too close.

Worse, many plows are equipped with wing blades that extend several feet into adjacent lanes—blades often invisible in white-out conditions.

Failing to respect these machines means flirting with disaster.

The Rule Montanans Must Follow When Driving in the Winter

Here’s the truth: you need to be cautious and courteous around snow plows.

This is the simple but critical rule that most Montanans ignore every winter. Staying safe is not about being first on the road; it’s about staying alive.

Snowplow operators and safety officials urge drivers to stay at least five car lengths behind a plow.

Do not tailgate, do not attempt risky overtakes, and do not assume you can anticipate road conditions beyond the plow.

Following this rule can mean the difference between a close call and a deadly wreck.

Snow Plow Etiquette 101

To keep yourself and others safe, here are essential tips when driving around snowplows:

• Maintain Distance: Always stay at least five car lengths behind a plow. This keeps you out of the snow cloud and gives you reaction time.
• Avoid Passing: Only pass a plow if absolutely necessary and do so with extreme caution. Pass on the left side, as plow blades often extend to the right.
• Watch for Sand and Gravel: Plows often spread materials that can damage your vehicle if you're too close.
• Drive Slowly: Speeding on ice is a recipe for losing control. Keep your speed in check, especially near plows.
• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and road conditions at all times. If visibility is poor, wait for the storm to pass.

Winter driving in Montana isn’t for the faint of heart. But by following this simple rule—showing caution and courtesy around snowplows—you can protect yourself and those who risk their lives to keep our roads safe.

Let’s not wait for another headline about a preventable tragedy. Stay safe, stay back, and respect the plow.

Summary:

Many Montanans unknowingly risk their lives by ignoring a crucial winter safety rule: being cautious and courteous around snowplows. With over 2,000 winter accidents reported annually, reckless behavior near these plows—such as tailgating or risky passing—leads to preventable crashes. Drivers are urged to stay five car lengths back, avoid passing unless necessary, and maintain slow, steady control on icy roads. Respecting plows could save lives this winter.