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Why it is so imperative to give snowplows time and space on the roads

They're not as easy as they look: Even with all the mirrors, cameras, bells and whistles, they're not your typical truck.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Snowplows have been around since the 19th century - 1862 to be exact. Ever since, they've been the best friend for drivers trying to get from Point A to Point B in the middle a snowstorm.

Driving one isn't exactly like driving a four-door sedan though. I had my fair share of troubles keeping the City of Des Moines' plows within the "snow rodeo course". I couldn't even imagine what it would be like trying to pull that course off in the elements.

Getting a front row seat driving the snow behemoths really helped me understand Brian Hommer's perspective as a plow driver. He and the team of ace drivers are ready to rock the plows when those first flakes fly.

"We just spent a week long of training and, and with employees and running through our snow rodeo course to to get them all familiarized with the equipment again," Hommer said.

No matter the storm, an inch dusting or a 10-inch city shutdown storm, the snowplow crew goes all hands on deck. There's a reason behind that.

Credit: WOI

The majority of accidents that happen in the snow occur with an inch or less of snow on the ground at the time of the crash.

It all comes down to time and space. The more time and space drivers give snowplows, the more time and space plowed everyone will end up with.

"When we put out the snow ordinances, please don't park on the streets. We're trying to maintain city wide plowing in 24 hours," Hommer said. "If every resident didn't park the car on the street, maybe we could get it down to 20 and get your street open quicker." 

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