The people who labor to keep the roadways clear of snow and ice have a request for the public: Please keep your distance, for their sake and yours.

With 13 separate incidents involving vehicles striking county snowplows in Wisconsin so far this winter, that state’s Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin County Highway Association urge motorists to give snowplows plenty of space while crews work to keep roads safe during winter weather.

“Road and weather conditions can change quickly during Wisconsin winters and snowplow operators brave winter’s worst to keep our roads safe and passable,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said in a news release. “We all want it to make it safely to our destination, so let’s take it slow on the road and please give space to snowplows.”

According to WCHA, 13 county highway department snowplows have been struck so far this winter, including in neighboring Marinette County.

In many cases, snowplows are struck from behind, highlighting the need for drivers to remain alert and adjust their driving behavior in winter conditions. The crashes resulted in vehicle damage and forced several plows out of service, reducing the county highway department’s ability to clear roads efficiently, the news release states.

“Every time a snowplow is hit, it puts operators at risk and takes critical equipment off the road,” WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden said. “These crashes are preventable. Drivers need to slow down, stay back and be patient.”

Snowplows travel at slower speeds to effectively apply liquid brine or road salt and clear the lane of snow and ice. Following too closely or attempting to pass an active plow puts drivers – and plow operators – at serious risk. Snowplows have flashing amber or green warning lights to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

The WisDOT reminds drivers to —

— Watch the road ahead, avoid distractions and leave room to brake, especially in slick conditions.

— Slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced. Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal.

— Give space and stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. If you can see the plow’s mirrors, the driver can see you.

— Be careful if you must pass a snowplow. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Road conditions in front of the plow are likely worse.

— Not be over-confident if operating a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Those vehicles still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roads.

— Postpone or cancel trips during major winter storms. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

In Wisconsin, motorists can “Know before you go” about road conditions, live video from traffic cameras and possible incidents by going online to 511wi.gov or using the free 511 Wisconsin mobile app.