NYSTA is increasing safety efforts ahead of winter weather

BUFFALO, NY – An average of 15 plows per year have been struck by vehicles on the New York State Thruway.

“Just be polite, pay attention (and) stay alert,” said Matthew Latko, Thruway Authority Buffalo district director.

Nevertheless, Latko and Co. have prepared for the inevitable lake effect snow.

“We will have staff and we will be ready,” Latko said. “Wherever it happens, we will be ready.”

This year, new measures are being taken to prevent incidents, such as bright green lights on 250 of the agency’s heavy-duty rigs.

“The only time they will be on is when they are plowing or salting,” he said. “The green light is used to improve visibility of the plow vehicles in low light or extreme snow conditions.”

They are also testing an “iCone” program that will allow drivers to rely more heavily on their screens to reduce contact.

“It will send a signal, and it will be on our trucks along 190,” Latko noted of the pilot program. “If you have your Google app, your driving app or Waze activated, you will be informed that there is a plow vehicle in front of you.”

Every winter the message is repeated ad nauseam, but does not lose its meaning.

“The safest place is behind the trucks, at a safe distance. The public should remember that our trucks only travel 35 miles per hour. They won’t go any faster,” he said. “The conditions can be that too. They require that you could go a little faster, but you’re taking a risk, and you’re putting yourself in danger, and you’re putting our operators in danger.”

This winter weather will be nothing new for New York State residents.

“There’s no one who plows snow better or maintains roads better than us,” Latko said. “So the Thruway is the place to be in the winter. Just take your time and be safe.”