It’s so cold in the ‘D’.
Let’s face it, the biting cold of a Michigan winter is no stranger to anyone who calls this state home. Snowstorms roll in with a vengeance, blanketing roads and slowing life to a crawl. But this winter, Michigan drivers are facing a new responsibility on the road. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law in July that makes it illegal to drive too close to snowplows. The message is clear: keeping your distance is no longer just about common sense—it’s the law.
This new measure requires drivers to stay at least 200 feet—roughly 13 car lengths—behind a snowplow, or 20 feet when the plow is stopped at an intersection. Violating this law could cost drivers up to $100. Beyond the fine, this law is a direct response to an increase in snowplow-related crashes across the state. Michigan State Police emphasize that this is about saving lives and ensuring snowplow operators can safely clear the roads. They urge drivers to slow down, avoid passing snowplows, and give these heavy vehicles the space they need to operate.
For anyone wondering why this new law is necessary, consider this: snowplows are no ordinary vehicles. They weigh up to 30 tons—60,000 pounds—compared to the two-ton weight of most passenger cars. Their sheer size alone can cause catastrophic damage in a crash. Add to that the sharp blades designed to clear roads, and the stakes become even higher. These blades, including wing plows that extend beyond the truck’s width, can seem nearly invisible to unsuspecting drivers, creating a recipe for disaster.
Driving too close to a snowplow is dangerous not only because of the plow’s size and equipment but also because of the snow cloud it generates. This snow cloud can obscure visibility for hundreds of feet, making it nearly impossible for drivers to react in time if something goes wrong. Despite efforts by most drivers to keep their distance, many still find themselves in harm’s way by underestimating the space required to stay safe.
The law, modeled after a similar one in Wisconsin, aims to prevent these potentially deadly situations. Wisconsin fines motorists up to $175 for driving within 200 feet of a snowplow on highways where the speed limit is 35 mph or higher. Inspired by this precedent, Michigan lawmakers introduced and passed the measure with the hope of reducing snowplow-related crashes.
Data supports the urgency of this action. According to the Senate Fiscal Agency, Michigan experienced 20 snowplow-related crashes in 2021 and 19 in 2022. While these numbers might seem low at first glance, they represent an alarming trend that prompted state officials to act. The Michigan County Road Commission, a strong advocate for the law, believes it will not only save lives but also save local governments money. Fewer crashes mean fewer repairs to snowplows and fewer interruptions to snow-clearing efforts, which are critical during Michigan’s harsh winters.
Understanding the relationship between distance and safety is key to this law’s impact. Two hundred feet might seem excessive to some drivers, but it’s a necessary buffer. At 60 miles per hour, a vehicle covers 88 feet per second. At 45 miles per hour, that drops to 66 feet per second. Those numbers put the 200-foot distance into perspective—it’s the difference between a close call and a tragic accident.
Michigan’s snowplow season is already underway, with several parts of the state experiencing significant snowfall over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. More snow is on the horizon. The western region of Michigan could see up to 12 inches of lake-effect snow in the coming days, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are also bracing for heavy snow, with totals reaching up to 10 inches in some areas. Southeast Michigan is expected to see its share of snow this season.
This winter’s forecast only underscores the importance of the new law. Snowplow operators work tirelessly to keep roads safe for all of us, but their job becomes infinitely harder when drivers don’t respect the space they need to maneuver. Michigan State Police and other officials stress that slowing down, keeping your distance, and avoiding passing snowplows aren’t just recommendations—they’re vital practices that save lives.
Snowplows are a lifeline during Michigan’s brutal winters, but they’re also a potential hazard if approached recklessly. By staying at least 200 feet back and respecting the law, drivers can contribute to a safer winter for everyone. Governor Whitmer’s signing of this law is a call for community-wide responsibility. Every driver has a role to play in preventing crashes, saving lives, and supporting the hard work of snowplow operators who keep our roads clear.
The law also reflects a broader push for safer roads across the state. Michigan drivers, particularly in areas prone to heavy snowfall, should view this measure not as an inconvenience but as a step toward collective safety. Snowplows are an essential part of winter life, and their operators deserve the respect and space to do their jobs effectively.
The next time you find yourself sharing the road with a snowplow, remember the weight of your responsibility—not just the weight of the fine. A $100 penalty might sting, but it pales in comparison to the consequences of a collision. Snowplows are designed to protect us, but we must do our part to protect ourselves and those around us. Governor Whitmer’s law is a reminder that safety on the road begins with individual choices.
This winter, Michigan drivers have an opportunity to lead by example. Respect the distance. Slow down. Move over. It’s not just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about safeguarding lives, honoring the work of snowplow operators, and ensuring that every trip, no matter how treacherous the conditions, ends safely.
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