Don’t Crowd The Plow

We’re in the thick of winter here in the Hudson Valley and across New York State.

When the snow starts to fall and roads become slick and dangerous drivers are reminded to give plows room to do their job.

The New York State Department of Transportation “Don’t Crowd The Plow” initiative keeps both plow drivers and passenger vehicles safe. The DOT suggests drivers stay “up to eight car lengths” behind a plow working in a snow storm.”

READ MORE: NYS DOT Issues ‘Don’t Crowd the Plow’ Reminder for Winter Drivers

Drivers shouldn’t need this reminder, but just in case, the NYS DOT states “motorists should never pass snowplow.”

WATCH: Upstate NY Driver Slams into NYSDOT Snowplow

Obviously, New York State was hit pretty hard by Winter Storm Fern back on January 25th, 2026.

New York State Department of Transportation plows were out and about making the roads as safe as possible for drivers who dared to hit the road. Following the storm the NYSDOT shared a scary dash cam video that shows “exactly why you need to drive for the conditions, especially during winter weather.”

In the video the NYSDOT explains “a vehicle misjudged conditions and crashed into the side of a NYSDOT snowplow.”  Watch the video  below:

NYS DOT Reminds NYS Drivers The Dangers of Winter Driving

Thankfully there were no serious injuries, but the DOT explains that these accidents are extremely dangerous as their trucks “weigh several times more than most passenger vehicles” and the people most at risk “are the drivers who lose control and hit them.”

The accident occurred on NY 177 in the area of the I-81 off ramp in Watertown, New York.

The DOT used the opportunity to remind drivers that they’re out there protecting you. They write:

Our crews are out there to keep roads safer, but this message is about protecting you. Slow down, increase your following distance, and drive for the conditions. A few extra seconds could save a life.

Ice, Snow, and a Splash: Inside the Saranac Lake Palace Build

Record-breaking cold and heavy snow didn’t stop the International Palace Workers from building the 2026 Ice Palace. Two volunteers even fell in for the first time!

Gallery Credit: Credit – Polly McAdams

Snowy Scenes in the Hudson Valley after 24-hour storm

Gallery Credit: Listener submissions

Hudson Valley School Bus Catches Fire

A school bus caught fire near a Hudson Valley High School.

Gallery Credit: Thiells Fire Department Via Facebook

 

 

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