LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — As Michigan braces for its notoriously harsh winter months, a new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to change how drivers navigate the snow-covered roads. Effective this winter, drivers must maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet behind active snowplows, with violations resulting in a $100 fine.

The new law aims to address the rising number of winter-related accidents involving snowplows and personal vehicles. According to MLive, the last five years have seen 114 crashes involving snowplows, with 20 occurring in 2021 and 19 in 2022.

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The Michigan Senate’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has highlighted that heightened  winter conditions have contributed to these incidents, with poor visibility and icy roads being primary factors.

The law stipulates that drivers must maintain a 200-foot distance behind snowplows engaged in clearing, salting, or sanding the roads. This distance, roughly equivalent to 13 car lengths, is designed to provide drivers with enough reaction time to prevent collisions.

Additionally, the law requires drivers to keep at least 20 feet away from a snowplow stopped at an intersection. This provision allows snowplow drivers to maneuver safely while preventing other vehicles from entering their blind spots.

Originally, the bill proposed a shorter distance requirement of 75 feet for roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. However, to simplify enforcement and ensure consistent safety standards, the final version of the law requires a uniform 200-foot distance on all roadways, as reported by MLive.

“We support any bill that increases safety for the motoring public, and the brave men and women maintaining our roads and bridges during Michigan’s unpredictable and harsh winter season,” John Richard, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), said.