We took a ride on a Bellingham snow plow. This is what operators want you to know
Bellingham still has plenty of snow on the ground Wednesday, Dec. 21, after the city began seeing significant snowfall Monday.
But the city is making good progress plowing it, even fully clearing many main arterial roads and bus routes by Wednesday morning, according to Bellingham Public Works assistant director of operations Mike Olinger.
Crews began plowing neighborhoods and making service requests early Wednesday morning. They are expected to focus on that for the majority of the day, occasionally replowing priority routes as needed, Olinger told The Bellingham Herald.
Snow plow operations are expected to continue 24/7 until weather patterns and street conditions return to normal, Olinger said.
In the meantime, here are some tips from the city and snow plow operators about how drivers and pedestrians can help them do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
1. Don’t drive if you don’t have to.
During periods of inclement weather and poor road conditions, the city is asking people to stay home if they can. This reduces the likelihood of incidents and accidents, which make plowing the roads more challenging.
2. Use SeeClickFix or call the Public Works main line to report issues.
Members of the public are encouraged to report vehicles stuck on hills or in areas blocking traffic. This helps the city respond quickly to help avoid a pile-up vehicle accident.
Public Works Operations can be reached at 360-778-7700.
3. Keep your distance from a plow truck.
Snow plow operators are driving large trucks with heavy machinery to clear the roads.
It’s difficult for the truck to stop quickly, especially in poor road and weather conditions. So, drivers should avoid crowding snow plows, driving fast around them and pulling out in front of them.
4. Shovel your sidewalk and don’t walk in the road.
City crews aren’t clearing sidewalks so it is helpful if people shovel the area in front of and around their homes. This helps keep people from walking in the street while it’s being plowed, which can be dangerous.
Pedestrians should also avoid getting sprayed by snow plows as they drive by. There could be harmful rocks and debris in the snow.
5. Avoid parking your car in the street.
This gives the snow plow operator less room to clear the road and consequently, less room for drivers to get around safely. Keep your car parked in the driveway or designated parking spot. Vehicles can be towed if they are in the way of a snow plow route.
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 10:10 AM.
