As motorists are out and about today, you might be encountering plow trucks along the state highways and interstate systems.

Iowa Department of Transportation Winter Operations Administrator Craig Bargfrede reminds motorists that their plows are moving at a much slower speed and so extra caution is a must when you encounter them on the road.

“We typically operate at a 20, 25 or maybe 30-miles-per-hour. We also tend to naturally kick up a snow cloud and so that’s going to even reduce visibility around our plow truck even more. They need to be aware that we can make abrupt movements depending upon what the truck is doing at that point in time.”

As an added safety feature, Bargfrede says each plow truck has additional flashing and blinking lights to alert motorists of when they are on the roads.

“So we have blue, white and amber lights. You’re able to see the amber lights from all directions around the truck (and) blue and white are only rear-facing. And so when you see that lighting pattern, you need to start slowing down and adjusting your driving to accommodate coming up close behind a snowplow truck.”

The one to count on for winter weather coverage as well as cancellation and postponement information is the Raccoon Valley Radio Network.