Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Question: I’ve heard about some snow plows getting hit out on the highway this winter. Can you remind people what they should be doing when sharing the roads with our plow drivers?
Answer: For people to stay safe around plows, they just need to practice good common sense and have some patience.
- Give Space: Stay at least 10 car lengths (about 200 feet) behind a plow.
- Avoid Snow Clouds: Never drive into the cloud of snow and spray behind a plow.
- Be Patient & Slow Down: Plows work slowly (20-30 mph) to clear roads; slow down to a safe speed for conditions.
- Stay Alert: Plows may drift over the centerline or partially into traffic, and their wing plows can extend 10 feet out from the truck.
- Don’t Pass: Passing is dangerous due to hidden obstacles and the plow’s width; let operators pull over when it’s safe.
- Use Your Lights: Turn on your headlights and turn off cruise control.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on X @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).
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