That time of year has returned when it is possible the Fort Campbell Snow and Ice Removal Plan could be activated. The snow and Ice Removal Plan is designed to remove the hazards of snow and ice from our major roads and streets, secondary roads, airfields, parking lots and walkways. Removing the snow and ice hazard from our roads prevents countless vehicular accidents every cold weather season. But removing the hazard can create a hazard when snow plowing equipment is deployed if we fail to respect this very important mission. Fort Campbell roads and streets are cleared of snow and ice by a dedicated group of heavy equipment operators in the Roads and Grounds Division of the Directorate of Public Works.
The snow and ice removal crews know too well the hazards associated with operating their trucks and road graders. After all, they are called to duty in most cases when the hazards are at their peak, caused by winter storms and often in blizzard conditions. At the forecast of winter storms, these crews know they are on call. They must ensure their trucks and graders are maintained in top condition and ready to go at a moment's notice. The crews know they must report to their supervisor if they feel ill and unable to give the mission 110 percent. They know they shouldn't take any judgment hindering medication or drink alcohol while on call. They also know they will encounter extremely slick road conditions, reduced visibility, frigid temperatures, dangerous winds and us (all other motorists).
We, all other motorists, must ensure we do not hamper snow and ice removal operations. Unfavorable conditions lend to less forgiving situations of impatience and unsafe vehicle operations. Delays that snow and ice removal crews encounter caused by motorists increases their exposure time on the road and street environment. Increased exposure time increases the risk of accidents. It is important to note that a fully loaded, fully equipped salt and grader truck weighs about 15 to 17 times the weight of an average car. Motorists attempting to defy the odds with one of these trucks or a road grader will usually lose in a collision. We can avoid creating additional hazards for the snow and ice removal crews by following these simple guidelines:
Aca,!Ac Leave home a few minutes early to allow additional time for coping with hazardous conditions and snow plow/grader encounters.
Aca,!AcSlow down on slick roads and do not use the cruise control in these conditions.
Aca,!Ac Always yield to snow plows and road graders. Give them plenty of room to do their job.
Aca,!Ac Be patient and courteous when encountering snow plows or graders.
Aca,!Ac If coming from the opposite direction, slow down or stop as near the shoulder as your safety will allow until the plow passes. Salt pellets discharged from snow plows can damage your vehicle if you are too close.
Aca,!Ac If following, stay back at least 60 feet or five car lengths and pass only if the operator pulls off onto a safe area for the purpose of allowing backed-up vehicles to pass.
Aca,!Ac Do not park closer than 10 feet from roads that will be plowed and salted. Moving around obstacles hampers the plow crew mission.
A little patience, courtesy, consideration and safe, inclement weather driving techniques will help to keep you safe when coming face to face with snow removal operations on Fort Campbell roads. It will also facilitate snow and ice removal so the crews can minimize exposure time and reduce the risk of accidents.
See CAM REG 420-8 for more specific information about Fort Campbell Snow and Ice Removal, removal priorities and your responsibilities.
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