Snowplows are among the most important equipment in an agency’s winter operations toolbox. While snowplow research has traditionally focused on plow blades, in recent years snowplow conspicuity has emerged as another important research area, with agencies examining the safety benefits of making plow trucks more visible to motorists using lighting and reflective tape. Preventing corrosion is another area where research has shown benefits, as protecting plows from the effects of deicers can extend their service life.
Related research topics:
Clear Roads Resources
- Clear Roads Equipment Lighting – Synthesis of Information
- Clear Roads Manual of Best Practices for the Prevention of Corrosion
Other Research and Resources
- Navigation System for Snowplows in Low Visibility Situations (Iowa DOT, expected completion 2023)
- Snowplow Operations Management System (Texas DOT, expected completion 2022)
- Implementation of Lane Boundary Guidance System for Snowplow Operations (Minnesota DOT, expected completion 2021)
- LED Snowplow Lights: Evaluation Report (New Hampshire DOT, October 2020)
- Effectiveness of Green Strobes on Winter Maintenance Vehicles and Equipment (Michigan DOT, August 2020)
- Installing Snowplow Cameras and Integrating Images into MnDOT’s Traveler Information System (Minnesota DOT, October 2017)
- Snow and Ice Practices (Ohio DOT, 2011)