As snow piles up across the region, the Canandaigua Police Department is reminding drivers to take extra care when sharing the road with snowplows.
In a public service announcement, officials explained that snowplows are essential for keeping roads safe—but they’re also large, heavy, and hard to see around. A typical snowplow weighs four times more than the average car, and a collision with one can be deadly.
Police say passing a snowplow is not only dangerous, it’s usually pointless. The road in front of a plow hasn’t been cleared yet, and many plows are equipped with wide side blades that can extend up to 12 feet. Passing one could mean sideswiping the equipment, especially when visibility is low.
Drivers are also urged to keep a safe distance behind plows. Though they may appear to be moving slowly, plows often need to stop or swerve suddenly to avoid debris or stranded vehicles. Following too closely puts everyone at risk.
The department also cited New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1103, which gives added legal protection to drivers of “hazard vehicles” like snowplows while they perform their work. The law is designed to protect these workers from liability for ordinary negligence, recognizing that their jobs often take place in dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
Police are asking drivers to be cautious, drive defensively, and always give snowplows the space they need to operate safely.
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