Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Amanda Butterfield Reporting"We're ready to go, bring on the storm!"
This snow plow driver won't have to wait long. We’re seeing the first signs of a storm that could bring a lot of snow, soon!
Plow drivers have had the afternoon off to rest up, getting ready to go out, and making the final checks on their trucks.
While you're sleeping soundly, Jack Brown is busy working.
Jake Brown, Driver: "Just looking forward to staying up all night."
He clears the roads of snow, and already lots of places need it.
Jack Brown: "If you get a lot of snow to push, it's pretty fun."
During a storm like tonights he'll dump around seven tons of salt, but there's more to these big rigs than that. Every plow has cameras mounted on the sides and back, giving the driver a complete view of what's around them.
Brent Wilhite, UDOT: "They can see how close they are getting to say these concrete barriers on the side here.”
Embedded in the roads they become mini weather stations.
Brent Wilhite: "They look like a hockey puck."
They're sensors that give the drivers invaluable information.
Wilhite: "The wind temp, the air temp, precipitation, weather snow rain sleet or ice."
So they know what roads need plowing and salt the most. But all you really need to know is that guys like Jack Brown will be working to keep the roads clear.
Jack Brown: "We don't like to see anyone get hurt, roll over, or go off the road. We try to make it as safe as possible."
Brown's biggest complaint with his job is that drivers trying to pass him. Just don't do it. The safest place for you to be on the road is about 50 feet behind a snow plow.
