On Sunday, I had the opportunity to witness first hand what our provincial operators from the Department of Public Works deal with during significant weather.
I was quite amazed by the experience – the attention to detail that comes with the job and how much happens both inside and outside of the cab.
During our weather event yesterday, almost anything that could have happened in a storm, took place.
With heavy snowfall followed by rain mixed with flash freezing conditions, it was apparent that the weather conditions were constantly changing making it difficult to keep on top of things.
While operating such rigs, operators not only have to navigate our roads while working to clear them, they also have to cautiously work around motorists.
In many cases, operators are the first to notice a collision, assist a motorist who may be stuck, or deal with mechanical issues along their travels.
Operators work a particular route and even when they’ve cleared an area, by the time they get back through, it almost looks like they never touched it and this occurs more often with heavy snowfall.
Over the past 24 hours, many people have commented heavily on the “road conditions” with many expecting the roads to be bare. Please keep in mind that trucks have numerous areas to cover.
Attached is a reference posted by the province on “when will I get my road plowed?”
Operators also make frequent stops, and most of the time can’t see behind them, due to the snow they are clearing. Always give extra room, be courteous and attentive when approaching or following behind a snow plow.
Special thanks to the supervisors and faces behind the scenes for letting me capture and witness this perspective.
Also a huge thank you to Colin for the safe adventure out on truck #08327 from the New Minas base.
Adrian J.
