DelDOT warn drivers to stay away from plows on the road

With just about forty- three thousand tons of salt, hundreds of plows, and more than six thousand miles to cover,  Deldot says it’s geared up for the snow storm. They’re responsible for ninety-percent of the roads in the state. However, they have a request for the public.

Jeffrey Reed, the south district engineer for DelDOT says, “Travel safe, slow down and don’t become an obstacle for our trucks.”

According Reed, cars in the way of plows are one of the biggest hazards on the road. The trucks weigh roughly 64,000 pounds, which is the equivalent to the weight of about seven killer whales barreling down the street.

Tim Bartman says, “If that size plow were to hit a car it would open it up like a can opener.”  

Bartman has been plowing for close to two decades and has experienced these scares first hand. To get an idea of what it’s like for him behind the wheel, he let 47 ABC hop inside his ride.

Bartman says, “There’s a lot going on at one time. You have to concentrate on plows. If you have the plow down and try and make a turn, it doesn’t always turn. The plow will slide depending if there’s ice on the road. That side plow you have to watch. Traffic will be running up on that because a lot of times they don’t see that.

In addition to paying attention to those details, drivers have to listen to their radios and man all the bells and whistles.

Bartman goes on, “That’s your plow controls. This is for the front plow, this for this side plow, and this is for your bed up and down.”

With his years of experience, it’s fair to say Bartman knows what he’s doing. However, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t use the extra help.

Bartman says, “It’s a lot of things to remember that the normal public doesn’t realize.”

Deldot officials say winter operations have been low so far this season. In the 2014 fiscal year, $18.3 million was spent for storms. 

Officials say they’ll have a report of resources used for this storm after everything is all said and done. We’re told removing ice is much more expensive than clearing snow.