A snowplow operator’s advice for weathering a storm

City workers are out salting the roads in anticipation of an incoming winter storm. CTV Windsor’s Robert Lothian went along for the ride.

As Windsor-Essex prepares to be walloped by a significant winter storm, those tasked with clearing the way are already on the road.

The City of Windsor’s Public Works Department expected all 21 plows to be working through the night.

On Wednesday afternoon, CTV News Windsor tagged along with snowplow operator Nicole Kovacevich to prepare the streets.

Here’s the 7-year operator’s biggest advice for preparing for a winter storm.

Q: How long is a route for a driver?

“They range, but approximately two hours,” said Kovacevich.

“We go for two hours, we fill up salt and then every four hours, if your plow is down, we do a plow check. So, the mechanics will check it, make sure the shoes are on, the blades are good and everything’s working accordingly.”

Q: In the lead up to a storm, what do plow operators do?

“So right now, since its just wet but it’s below zero, we’re just laying slate to lay a foundation down on the road to make sure it’s not too slippery for people,” she said.

“Then, as it starts to snick, you’ll see it a little more white and that the salt is not working, then we’ll start to put blades down.”

Q: How often do you see big storm?

“We don’t get to push a lot of snow. Most of its just laying down salt,” she said.

“But every once in a while, there is a big storm and when we are called in, we’re working 12 to 14 hours straight. So, we’re making sure that all the roads are cleared curb to curb.”

Q: How does it feel driving in the midst of a storm?

“To be honest, we should always be vigilant and always be cautious no matter how used to driving you are,” said Kovacevich.

“So even though we’re used to it and we’re out here all the time, you just never know what’s going to happen, so we take our time. Sometimes we drive slower than the traffic, even just so the salt spreads properly, too, but just be cautious of drivers and just know that with the extra tonnage of salt in the back, that we have to take extra time to break.”

Q: What do people not understand about your job?

“I think some people get upset because we plow snow into their driveways,” Kovacevich added.

“That’s a big thing we hear, we see it online, it’s a complaint that is never ending. But what we have to do is we have to put the snow somewhere, and it’s unfortunately just where it goes. Once you get to the curb line, there’s only one direction. So, unfortunately, we are going to be plowing stuff into people’s driveways, but it’s not on purpose. It’s not malicious. We’re just doing our jobs, trying to clean the roads and make it as safe as possible.”

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve as an operator?

“When it’s a huge snowstorm and some people decide to park on the road, even though they have like six car driveways,” she said.

“There’s no reason for them to be parked on the road and it’s the only way that we can plow it completely clear, if we can get all the way to the curb. So, it would be really helpful if the public could move their cars into their driveways.”

Q: What do you enjoy about this job?

“I enjoy the before and after that I can look at something and it looks complete. I see snow and then I do my job and then the snow is gone,” said Kovacevich.

“It’s a nice feeling, like when you see renovation pictures and it’s a before and after.”

Q: How should drivers operate around a snowplow?

“Don’t stay within the salt spread because we can’t control how close you’re going to be. We’re just driving we’re staying the same speed the whole way, so if you can do your best to provide space for us, we’ll do our best to provide space for you,” she advised.

Q: Do you have anything to add?

“I see a lot of people in the public shovelling snow in the snowstorm. I don’t know if they think that they have to do that, but you can wait until after the snowstorm. As soon as the snowstorm finishes, you have 12 hours to do so, that’s according to the bylaw,” said Kovacevich.

“There’s no need for you to be out in a snowstorm. That’s just dangerous in my opinion and you’re going to do the work twice.”