LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan hasn’t been too snowy this year but Michigan lawmakers are still diligently working on ensuring the safety of snowplow crews on the streets.

In a unanimous decision last Tuesday, the state Senate gave its approval to Senate Bill 465, which would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code and mandate that drivers maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from snowplows.

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Advocates point to the crucial necessity of this legislation because of challenges drivers encounter when trying to brake on icy roads, resulting in difficulties in avoiding collisions.

200 feet is about 12 car lengths.

Jerry Byrne, the managing director for the Kent County Road Commission, talked to WOOD-TV and stressed that the stipulated 200 feet is roughly equivalent to about 12 car lengths.

He said, “It sounds like a lot (of distance) until you get into adverse weather conditions and it’s not.”

In wintry conditions, where roads become slippery and drivers wrestle with the need to brake promptly, the average driver may find it daunting to come to a stop within the mandated 200 feet. Compounding the challenge, snowplow drivers typically operate at speeds 20 to 30 mph slower than other vehicles.

Byrne said, “When it’s slippery and snowing and you’re going 40 mph and we’re going 20 mph, you’re going to move into that 200 feet really quick.”

If the law passes, it should be safer for snowplow drivers and everyone else.

The urgency behind the bill stems from the swift approach of drivers toward those slower-moving snowplows, escalating the risk of rear-end collisions.

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Byrne said, “(Drivers) are going to come up to us so quickly. If they don’t have that 200 feet to get themselves slowed down, they’re going to rear-end us.”

The proposed legislation includes the exception to allow drivers to legally pass a snowplow.

Snowplows need lots of space to maneuver.

And because of the prevalence of snowplow-related accidents near intersections, the bill incorporates a specific provision for that. Drivers are required to halt at least 20 feet away from a snowplow stopped at an intersection to facilitate the necessary maneuvers by the plows.

Kent County experienced three instances this winter where drivers collided with snowplows, temporarily rendering the plows inoperative and hindering their ability to treat roads.

Byrne explained the need for such maneuvers, stating, “We have to go left to center to get that snow off the center line… We have to back up to clean the intersections. We have to do things that aren’t allowed under normal vehicle code.”

Bill streamlined to mandate 200 feet back at all speeds.

State Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) introduced the bill in August, initially specifying different distance requirements based on speed limits. However, Singh later streamlined the legislation, mandating a 200 feet setback for anyone following an active snowplow, regardless of the speed limit.

A spokesperson for Singh’s office clarified that this adjustment aligns more closely with recommendations from municipal partners and facilitates easier enforcement.

Bill aimed at safeguarding all winter drivers.

Byrne emphasized that the bill’s objective extends beyond protecting snowplow crews; it also aims to safeguard regular drivers who are more prone to injuries in collisions with snowplows. The penalty for violating the law would be a civil infraction if police find that a driver was too close to a snowplow.

However, uncertainties linger regarding the enforcement of the bill. Byrne acknowledged that while snowplow drivers and police might have other priorities on the road, drivers involved in collisions with snowplows would likely be the ones to face penalties.

In addition to Senate Bill 465, Michigan’s Move-Over Law mandates motorists to reduce speed by 10 mph below the limit and shift to an open lane when encountering a stationary snowplow. Byrne stressed the significance of adhering to such laws, citing a recent incident where a law enforcement officer lost their life due to non-compliance.

SB 465 has been referred to the House committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure.