Penobscot Sheriffs Remind Folks To Be Watchful When Backing Of Driveways During Plow Season

Now that the first significant snowfall has fallen across Eastern Maine, some local law enforcement agencies are taking time to remind folks of how important it is to be aware of their surroundings, especially when sharing the road with plows.

It would appear some unfortunate individuals learned this lesson the hard way during this first storm. As much as it sucks that damage was done to this vehicle, the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office says the occupants were lucky enough to walk away without serious injury from this particular encounter.

The PCSO says drivers need to remember a few simple rules for the road when it comes to sharing space with snowplows.

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"A vehicle equipped and used for plowing snow on other than public ways may be equipped with an auxiliary rotary flashing light that must be mounted on top of the vehicle in such a manner as to emit an amber beam of light over a 360-degree angle, or an amber strobe, or combination of strobes, that emits at a minimum a beam of 50 candlepower and provides visible light coverage over a 360-degree range."

"The light may be in use on a public way only when the vehicle is entering the public way in the course of plowing private driveways and other off-highway locations. Drivers backing out of driveways must yield to other motor vehicles."

The Sheriff's Office also reminds people that when clearing snow, it's illegal to shovel, plow, or snow blow the snow into or across the street.

Drive safe out there!