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East Algoma OPP – Snow Plow Courtesy

The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to take this opportunity to remind the motoring public about the importance of leaving extra distance when you see a snow plow on the roadways. And, to not impede their travel as they need extra room to maneuver.

 

Snow plows by their very design can cause extensive damage or even death if involved in a collision.  The average speed of a plow is well below the posted speed limit. This is because the truck has to slow down to clear the roadway safely. Ahead of the plow is untreated and often very slippery roads and passing one is a risky manoeuvre.

 

Keep a safe distance behind working snow plows. Snow plows often travel slowly because they are removing snow, spreading salt or sand, and applying liquid anti-ice to roadways. Move aside – snow plows often drive along the centerline of a roadway to remove snow. If you are approaching a snow plow from the opposite direction, shift right if conditions allow, ensuring there is enough space for them to pass you safely.

 

Locally, Elliot Lake residents cannot park their vehicle across the end of the driveway (overnight on the boulevard section) to prevent the plow from depositing snow in the driveway. This “City Boulevard” is deemed part of the highway as per the City of Elliot Lake Traffic By-Law 02-18, Section 7.01(h). The offence is “Park on highway between 12 midnight and 7AM Winter hours“, fine being $60.00. There will be cases where the vehicle will need to be towed in order to perform snow removal operations, and this will be at the owner’s expense.

 

It is important for all motorists to allow operators the room to work.  This includes machinery cutting back the large snowbanks in order to widen the streets. Be patient and slow down.  And remember, without the snow plow operators doing their jobs, we wouldn’t be able to get around!

OPP
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