Nine people died on Michigan roadways since last week, making a total of 111 this year, according to state police. In addition, 83 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 451 to date.
Compared to last year at this time there are 14 fewer fatalities and 37 fewer serious injuries.
One way the Department of Transportation is attempting to keep roads safer is through the use of tow plows, a truck that can clear up to two full lane widths (approximately 25 feet) in one pass.
This allows crews to clear both the travel lane and shoulder at one time, which reduces the time needed to clear a freeway during a winter storm event. This will improve service while reducing labor and equipment costs, as well as fuel consumption on busy roads with high traffic volumes, says a news release.
When activated, the wheels of a tow plow turn as much as 30 degrees, causing it to steer right of the plow truck. When in use, the tow plow works similar to a wing plow, only with greater reach.
The tow plow is also equipped with a salt hopper, with room for a spreader to be mounted on the plow. All controls for the tow plow and its accessories are mounted within the cab of the plow truck.
Other states successfully using tow plows include Missouri, Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin, Utah, and Ohio.
The cost of the new tow plow is approximately $93,000. With regular maintenance, the Tow Plow has an average service life of 30 years, compared to a 10-year average for a standard plow.
