The answer is NO - You might save a minute, but you’re risking your safety, and the safety of others on the road. Stay back, stay safe, and let them clear the way.
🌨️ The storm may be over, but our work continues!
Today, a NYSDOT crew on State Route 12 in the Village of Copenhagen, used a grader to scrape hardpack off the road with a plow following close behind to finish the cleanup. 🚧 Please slow down, stay alert, and help us keep everyone safe. ❄️ #WorkZoneSafety
Neither snow, nor freezing temperatures, nor the gloom of night will stop our NYSDOT road warriors from their mission to keep New York roads safe. If you travel on the roads tonight, please do not crowd the plow. #DriveSafelyNY
As we drive into 2025, it's important to check the rearview mirror on our amazing 2024.
🚨 Don’t Crowd the Plow: You’re Doing It Wrong! 🚨
Watch and learn what NOT to do when sharing the road with our snow plows.
❄️ Our plows are huge, heavy, and have many blind spots.
❄️ They’re clearing multiple lanes, pushing snow and debris between plows.
❌ The most dangerous spot to be? Right between them.
The few minutes you think you’re saving by trying to cut between plows is not worth the risk to your safety—or others.
✅ Do this instead: Stay back, be patient, and give them the space they need to clear the roads safely.
💪 After a snow plowing shift, our driver's work isn't finished when they return to the facility. They unload any remaining salt for the next crew, wash the truck to prevent rust, and complete the necessary paperwork. Thank you for all you do to keep New York safe!
📷 Onondaga East Residency in North Syracuse
We use more than just plows for snow removal! In parts of NY, where snowfall can reach several feet at a time, we need a way to clear the edges of roadways and push back snowbanks in preparation for the next storm. This is why we use massive snowblowers like this one to tackle the intense lake effect and blizzard conditions that are common in NY.
Please treat these areas like any other work zone: SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER if possible, and STAY ALERT!
Turns out... dogs can’t shovel snow! 🐾❄️ If they could, we'd tell them the same thing we're telling you: Don’t shovel snow into the road! Not only is it dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, but it’s also illegal. 🐶🚫❄️ #ShovelSmart #WinterSafety
👏 Road Warrior Appreciation Post! 👏
Every day, every storm, our snow and ice crews across the state go above and beyond to keep roads safe for YOU. Whether it’s 2 AM or mid-blizzard, they’re out there clearing the way.
Here’s how you can show your appreciation:
✅ Give plows room to work – Stay at least 200 feet back.
✅ Slow down – Driving too fast in these conditions is dangerous for everyone.
✅ Stay home if you can – Let them do their job without extra traffic on the roads.
Thank you, NYSDOT crews, for your incredible work! 💪❄️
#PlowDrivers #ThankYouNYDOT #SnowHeroes
❄❄ WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: NYSDOT crews were not! ❄❄
Like this crew in CNY battling the intense lake effect snow on Route 5 in the Elbridge area (western Onondaga County). More snow is expected today, so if you are in these areas, please stay home if possible and give our snowplows room to work.
Here’s a unique view of one of our NYSDOT tow plows in action on I-81 in Oswego County, where heavy lake-effect snow is falling and expected to continue into the weekend.
🎉 Happy New Year, New York! 🎉
As we begin 2025, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this past year remarkable:
🛠️ To our incredible crews—your hard work and dedication keep New York safe and connected, regardless of weather or challenges.
❤️ To all New Yorkers—thank you for your support and patience as we worked to enhance roads, bridges, and transportation systems across the state.
Together, we’ve achieved so much and are excited to keep building a safe and bright future for everyone. Here’s to an amazing year ahead! #HappyNewYear
Official page of the New York State Department of Transportation. ny.gov/social-media-policy
