No Matter the Storm, Carl Downey Plows On

[guest]

Carl Downey has been a snow plow operator with the City of Ottawa for 36 years. He took some time before his shift to share some insights and tips for how to safely share the road with snow plows.

What is it like to drive a snow plow?

Snow plows are big, heavy vehicles. The combo plow I operate is about 69,000 lbs. That huge weight means snow plows are slower to react when you try to accelerate or slow down.

You have to go slow, and you have to know your vehicle. We’re not a high-speed operation. If you go too fast when you’re salting, for example, the salt you’re putting down won’t stay on the road.



Is visibility a big issue?

Yes, especially when you have to reverse. We’ve got nine different mirrors on our combo plows to help us see as much as possible, but there are still blind spots to contend with.



What about during a storm?

During a big snowfall it can be hard to see, because of the ridge of snow that the plow creates. If there are also high winds blowing snow around, it can feel almost like steering a ship through fog.

With a full complement of combo plow operators working the night shift, darkness certainly creates a whole new set of challenges for us.



What are the biggest challenges of the job?

It’s a lot of multitasking. You’re in traffic, watching for pedestrians and cyclists. You’re constantly looking out for obstacles like garbage and recycling bins and road signs.

It’s a matter of constantly maintaining awareness of your position on the road and in relation to other vehicles. All the while, you’re plowing snow, salting, putting down sand, and staying in contact with your supervisors.



What’s your favourite part?

Once in a while, people will wave and nod, like a thank you, and it’s that kind of thing that keeps me getting out of bed at 5 am to plow those roads when a storm’s passing through.

We’re out there clearing snow so that everyone can get around safely. It’s about making sure all of us can get home to our families at the end of the day.



So it’s about community?

Yes. Winter is tough in Ottawa. To get through it, we’ve got to look out for one another.

And keep in mind, a big reason we plow major roads first is to make sure ambulances and fire trucks can get to where they need to be when there’s an emergency. First responders are out there in all kinds of weather, too, and the work they’re doing can be a matter of life and death.



What should people know about how to safely share the road with a snow plow?

Drivers should stay back 15 metres (50 feet) from snow plows and road graders.

Don’t try to pass working snow plows, and don’t drive directly beside snow plows. If you speed, or get too close and lose control, that’s how an accident can happen.

If you stay behind the plow, maintaining a safe distance, you’ll be driving in the best possible road conditions.

If you approach a snow plow from the opposite direction, shift right if possible, so there’s room to pass safely.



Any other tips for staying safe on the roads this winter?

Slow down. Adapt your speed to the conditions on the road.

Make sure you’ve got good winter tires.

Turn on your head and tail lights during heavy snow or rain, even during the day.

Be patient, and stay calm behind the wheel. If driving in winter weather makes you nervous, plan ahead and stay off the roads during a storm, or take OC Transpo.

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