9 Things Snowplow Drivers Want You To Know During Blizzards
On the List of Thankless Jobs, "snowplow driver" definitely shows up. They make the roads as driveable as possible, and yet we complain that they're in the way. Just this morning, I got caught behind a street gang of snowplow drivers that dared to clear the road off before *most people* are awake and driving to work. *I* had to take a detour, and thus was a minute later to the station than usual. First World Problems.
Snowplows are necessary, much like wearing pants in public. A snowplow driver shared 9 things that we should know when the inevitable blizzard blows through.
1) Snowplow drivers have prepped for months
No, they're not sitting on their asses like morning show jocks until the snowpocalypse strikes. Their season starts in August, when maintenance and upkeep takes place to make sure everything works when the big flakes fly.
2) They work ridiculous hours
Even more ridiculous than mine, where I wake up at 3 to crawl 60 miles and bark at a microphone. Snowplow drivers often start at midnight or even the day before, depending on the storm moving through.
3) You're making their jobs more difficult by being there
When I came upon the aforementioned street gang of snowplowers, I noticed that they were slowing down to a crawl (and taking up both lanes). As I turned off, I realized what they were doing: they were trying to get out of my way.
4) Unless you REALLY HAVE TO, don't drive
Are you a doctor? Nurse? Firefighter? Cop? Politician (kidding)? Then (carefully) go for it. Snowplow crews work especially hard to clear the way for emergency professionals to get to where they're needed. Just a radio DJ? Go back to bed.
5) If you lose something really important in the snow (keys, wallets, a kid, etc.), they're the ones you want to help you find it
They know snow. Be kind, and they just might help you find your lost cargo (losing kids is very bad, by the way).
6) They do care about making their routes fair...
You're probably not first on the route, you may be last, but do know that they'll get to you. Freaking out won't help. Go back inside and take a nap, crankypants.
7) ...unless you're banging the driver, then you're SOL
You'll never be soon enough, so just chill.
8) Don't try to throw down with the snowplow driver
They drive a giant self-defense truck. Again, chill.
9) They have families that want them to get home safely
Snowplow drivers are human, too. Even if they drive in often-inhuman conditions.
H/T: Upworthy
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