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Don't Crowd the Plow

Feb. 14 2025 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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As winter weather creates icy roads and challenging driving conditions, the importance of road safety becomes paramount. In this blog post, we’ll share vital tips for safely sharing the road with snowplows and other large vehicles during these unpredictable winter months. Together, we can prioritize safety and ensure that everyone arrives at their destination unharmed.

 

In this issue:

  • FMCSA Settles Rear Underride Guard Label Issue - CVSA Will Not Issue Violations at Roadside for Missing Labels.
  • International Road-check 2025 is May 13-15
  • Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminar!

On Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred when a truck driver lost his life in a collision with a snowplow on a Colorado interstate. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported that the crash happened shortly before 5 a.m. on February 12 on the northbound lanes I-25 near Walsenburg. Initial investigations suggest that a semi-truck struck the rear of a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) snowplow at mile marker 57. While the truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene, the snowplow driver was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation is still ongoing.


With winter storms affecting many areas this week, informing its drivers about the risks associated with approaching and overtaking snowplows on the road is a timely reminder.

During winter conditions, snowplows work tirelessly to keep roads clear and safe. However, these large vehicles can be dangerous for those who tailgate. To promote safety for both drivers and snowplow operators, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:


  • Maintain a safe distance from snowplows: Plow drivers have limited visibility directly behind their trucks and might need to stop or back up without warning. Keeping a safe distance protects you from possible collisions and protects your vehicle from any sanding materials that may be spread on icy roads.
  • Watch for snowplows on multi-lane highways: They can work in any lane or on the shoulder. Stay vigilant around interstate ramps and “authorized vehicle only” turnarounds.
  • Avoid driving in snow clouds or whiteout conditions: It can be difficult to tell if the reduced visibility is due to strong winds or snowplows. Exercise patience—snowplow drivers occasionally pull over to let traffic pass safely.

Snowplow operators are extremely safety-conscious, but they need your help. Stay back and let them safely do their job of clearing the road for you. Don’t take a chance. Don’t crowd the plow!


Heart Month Tip: 

What can you do to help control hypertension? 

  • Eat healthy foods: Follow a dietary approach to control hypertension by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Increase your potassium intake and reduce your consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, and total fat. Additionally, limit the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even 5 pounds can help lower your blood pressure if you are overweight.
  • Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes each day.
  • Limit alcohol consumption: Even if you are healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Drink in moderation—no more than one drink per day for women and two per day for men.
  • Avoid smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessel walls and accelerates the hardening of arteries. If you smoke, seek help to quit—your doctor can provide support and resources.
  • Manage stress: Reduce stress as much as possible by practicing healthy coping techniques such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Ensure you get plenty of sleep to support your overall well-being.

FMCSA Settles Rear Underride Guard Label Issue- CVSA Will Not Issue Violations at Roadside for Missing Labels

Question:

Does an illegible, incomplete, or missing rear impact guard certification label constitute a violation of 49 CFR 393.86(a)(6) or indicate that the impact guard failed to meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) strength and energy absorption requirements applicable at the time the trailer was manufactured?

Guidance:

No. The regulation under 49 CFR 393.86(a)(6) requires that a rear impact guard be permanently marked or labeled by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 223. However, NHTSA has determined that labels that wear, fade, or are removed during repairs do not indicate a current compliance issue with FMVSS No. 223 requirements (88 FR 5844-5845, Jan. 30, 2023). Additionally, FMCSA recognizes that a motor carrier may be unable to replace an illegible, incomplete, or missing certification label.


The condition of rear impact guards should be inspected to ensure compliance with all other FMVSS Nos. 223 and 224 requirements, including:

  • General requirements (§ 393.86(a)(1))
  • Guard width (§ 393.86(a)(2))
  • Guard height (§ 393.86(a)(3))
  • Guard rear surface (§ 393.86(a)(4))
  • Cross-sectional vertical height of the horizontal member (§ 393.86(a)(5))

Contact Information:

FMCSA Information Line: 1-800-832-5660

Information provided by the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC).


White House Issues Ten-for-One Deregulatory Order

The White House has issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies that whenever an agency promulgates a new rule, regulation, or guidance, it must identify at least 10 existing rules, regulations, or guidance documents to be repealed.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is directed to ensure standardized measurement and estimation of regulatory costs. The Order also requires that for fiscal year 2025, the total incremental cost of all new regulations, including repealed regulations, be significantly less than zero.

In the first Trump Administration, the White House directed federal agencies to rescind two rules or regulations for each new rule promulgated.


International Roadcheck 2025 May 13-15

International Roadcheck is a three-day annual event where CVSA-certified inspectors focus on compliance, enforcement, and education related to motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. It is the largest targeted enforcement initiative for commercial motor vehicles globally, with nearly 15 trucks being inspected every minute, on average, across North America during this 72-hour timeframe.

Since its launch in 1988, International Roadcheck has resulted in over 1.8 million roadside inspections. This event also informs the industry and the public about the significance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection process.

International Roadcheck is sponsored by the CVSA, with support from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.


*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.