Are you safer than a third grader? Dakota County drivers teach snowplow safety.

Last year on Oct. 12 it was snowing. The Twin Cities got about 2.5 inches, and that wasn't even the first snow. On Oct. 10, 2009, just enough snow fell to turn everything white. So it's not too early to be telling folks how to stay safe around snowplows.

Dakota County snowplow drivers will be visiting third graders to offer some snowplow safety tips. They encourage kids to quiz their parents and invite reporters to hear eager third graders ask questions.

Join Glenn Olson and Dave Giles, Dakota County snowplow drivers for the following presentations:

·         Friday, Oct. 15, 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Cherry View Elementary, 8600 175^th St., Lakeville.

·         Friday, Oct. 15, 1:30 p.m., Orchard Lake Elementary, 16531 Klamath Trail, Lakeville.

·         Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m., Christina Huddleston Elementary, 9569 175^th St. W., Lakeville.

Where will you find better visuals than dozens of third graders checking out a giant, orange, 54,000-pound snowplow that costs more than a lot of people's houses? And where will you get better lines than from a third grader filled with curiosity about what is likely the biggest truck the kid has ever seen.

Here are a few questions and answers, because good reporters always want to read ahead.

Q: Where's the safest place to build a fort?

A: In the backyard away from snowplows.

 

Q: Where's the safest place to wait for a school bus?

A: On the sidewalk or on the driveway as far away from the street as possible.

Q: Can kids sled onto a frozen pond?

A: Always check with a parent first so they can check the thickness of the ice.

 

Q: How much does a snowplow cost and how much does it weigh?

A: Snowplows cost about $215,000, as much as many houses, and they weigh 54,000 pounds.

 

Q: How many snowplows does Dakota County have?

A: The County has 25 snowplows and three graders.

 

Q: Do snowplow drivers have accidents?

A: Yes, but there aren't very many accidents, because snowplow drivers receive excellent training, attend safety courses, and always drive defensively.

All third grade teachers in the public schools in Dakota County are given the opportunity to invite snowplow drivers to their schools. Last year, drivers spoke to about 1,200 students in 12 different schools. This year they plan to visit about 1,300 students in 14 schools.

Dakota County's snowplow drivers can make one complete pass of all 440 miles of county road—from curb to curb—in less than six hours.

Here are some other tips you can share with readers and viewers:

Give snowplows room to work 

It's difficult for snowplow drivers to see your vehicle. Give snowplows room to work. Make sure the plow operator can see you in their side mirrors. If you cannot see the mirrors, the operator cannot see you. Also, avoid driving next to snowplows, turning in front of snowplows, or driving into snow clouds produced by the plows. 

Slow down 

Plows travel on average 30 to 50 mph slower than other vehicles, so reduce your speed when they're around. And remember, speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. Slow down—don't take chances on winter roads. 

Plan for emergencies 

Carry booster cables, road flares, a shovel, blankets, boots, mittens, a hat, a windshield scraper, two ropes and a winter survival kit in your vehicle during the winter driving season. 

Keep your vehicle maintained 

Make sure your antifreeze, battery, brakes, exhaust and lights are all working properly and always keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.