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Edition:Final Report
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Abstract:This report describes research performed by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) on snow plow light visibility and on snow cloud reduction by using a variable angle snow plow. The safety of the traveling public and of maintenance workers is of great concern to the SDDOT. The SDDOT has experienced numerous accidents involving snow plows. The Whelen DOT-3 light systems were installed on snow plow trucks in different configurations in the Mitchell, Rapid City, and Aberdeen regions. Other strobe lights were also installed and tested because the regions felt they needed to try other strobe lights that cost less, to see if they would perform satisfactorily. The Frink-Revers-a-Cast Plow, Model PAC 3351-RR was installed on one truck in the Mitchell, Rapid City, and Aberdeen regions. The plow cost was $7,286. The snow plow was selected because the curvature of the moldboard is adjustable to any plowing condition. The lights and plows were videotaped by using a camera mounted in a trailing vehicle during the test period. The strobes were found to be more visible than the revolving lights. A strobe can be seen from a distance of 1 mile (1.609 km) and a revolving light one-half mile (0.805 km) during the daytime. A slight snow cloud behind the truck covers up the warning light. All warning lights can be seen better with the naked eye, than when viewed on videotape. Based on the results of research it is recommended that the SDDOT install a three light strobe system on snow plow trucks. The snow plow keeps the snow closer to the ground at the discharge end and it reduces the height of the snow cloud behind the truck. The plows were mounted in January of 1992 and since then there hasn't been enough snow to get a good evaluation on whether they are effective enough to recommend buying more plows.
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