Defensive Driving for Snowplow Operators

2020PDFTech ReportCamden, Matthew C.Hickman, Jeffrey S.Tidwell, ScottSoccolich, Susan A.Hammond, RebeccaHanowski, Richard J.Virginia Tech Transportation InstituteMinnesota. Dept. of Transportation. Clear Roads Pooled FundMinnesota. Department of Transportation. Clear Roads Pooled FundUnited StatesCrash dataDriver trainingDrivingOperators (Persons)SafetySnowplowsWinter maintenanceDefensive driversTrainingDefensive drivingCrash preventionOperator,CR 18-011031541Final Report; March 2019 \u2013 August 2020An often-overlooked aspect of winter maintenance operations is snowplow operators\u2019 risk of a crash. The goal of this project was to examine key causes of collisions involving snowplows, identify defensive driving strategies snowplow operators can use to prevent crashes, and develop two comprehensive and engaging snowplow operator training modules on safe and defensive driving. Questionnaires, interviews, and crash data were used to develop the two modules to provide snowplow-specific information that operators can use to prevent crashes. The first module includes strategies the snowplow operator can use to prevent crashes caused by another vehicle. The second module focuses on general safe driving practices that the operator can use to prevent crashes often caused by the snowplow operator. Winter maintenance agencies can use the modules to help snowplow operators become better defensive drivers and avoid collisions with other vehicles and objects.104