SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Interim Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt says the blue lights will add more
visibility to ensure plows can clear roads while also improving safety for motorists
and snowplow drivers. He says when the blades are down, snowplows are
traveling at 25 mph or less and the most common crash statistic for snowplows is
being hit from behind.
Jundt says motorists are asked to slow down, stay eight car lengths behind the
plow and never pass one in a snow cloud. He says the snowplow driver is clearing
the road ahead, so the safest place is behind the plow. When a snowplow is
disabled because of a crash, the plow and the driver are removed from service
and the road being worked on may not be cleared for several more hours.
Studies have shown people have become desensitized to the flashing amber
lights. The blue lights have greater visibility in certain situations and because they
have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength of light, they appear to be moving
closer rather than farther away giving drivers a chance to react more quickly.
Jundt says before traveling, buckle up, have your winter emergency kit, and stay
where you are if we are advising no travel. For updated road condition information
from the SDDOT go to the new sd511.org, download the SDDOT 511 app or call
5-1-1.
(DRG’s Jody Heemstra contributed to this report.)
Comments