Snow Plow Safety: Advice for parents and kids

The first sight of snow falling from the grey winter sky can be one of the greatest thrills for children during the winter. Nearly all kids love to engage in ‘snow fun’—whether through sledding, sliding, or building a snowman.  Please remember that while winter is a great season for outdoor activities, snow can bring both fun and danger for children. The following tips will help parents and children enjoy winter activities safely:

In general

Children should not play outside alone. Establish a buddy system with one or more friends and have them look out for one another. Younger children should always be well supervised outside.

Children should be warned of the dangers of playing near roads during falling snow or icy conditions. It becomes much harder for cars to steer or brake in the snow– making it much more difficult to avoid potential accidents – and snow plows clearing the road are often a big (and dangerous) draw for younger children.

Snow Plow Safety

Tell your children:

Stay away from snowplows and snow blowers. Choose play areas away from roads, fences and water.

Wear bright colors outdoors.  Bright colors help drivers see children better. Take extra caution when crossing roads because it might be hard for drivers to see children playing if they have snowy or frosty windows.

Don’t build snow forts or make tunnels-especially along the roadway. Snow forts can:

• collapse and trap or injure a child,
• be hit by an out of control car, or
• be destroyed by a snowplow clearing snow or cleaning up an area.

Don’t play on roadside snow banks. The driver of a snowplow or other vehicle may not see a child.

Remember: If you can’t see the snowplow driver, they can’t see you.  Stay far away from plows when they are working.

For an activity sheet about snow safety to share with your children, CLICK HERE.