Montgomery County, like many urban counties in the United States, is experiencing a shortage of snow plow drivers during the winter season. The shortage is due to the rising competition to find snow plow drivers with a commercial driver’s license. To combat this issue, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is offering a new training program for the commercial driver’s license, which pays a starting wage of $18.45 an hour while in training and increases to $19.15 an hour once the license is obtained. However, even with this program, the shortage of drivers continues to be a struggle.
Montgomery County Engineer Paul Gruner, whose main job is to improve roadway networks and provide safe and efficient travel, said the problem has been developing over the last two to three years. Gruner attributes the shortage to an aging workforce and retirements, as well as the decrease in over-the-road trucking due to COVID-19.
The shortage of snow plow drivers in Montgomery County means extended routes for drivers, creating longer turnaround times for all required roads to be plowed. Even with a shortage of drivers, ODOT will always maintain the state and U.S. routes outside municipalities and all interstates except the Ohio Turnpike. However, it may take longer for roads to be cleared.
Before any winter snowstorm hits Montgomery County, snow plow drivers prepare the roads as best as they can with the shortage of drivers. Pretreating the roads with liquid brine prior to a storm can give crews a head start. However, pretreatment does not prevent snow and ice from forming on the road.
Because the roads are getting plowed at a much slower rate due to the driver shortage, students at the University of Dayton are among those growing impatient. The City of Dayton will treat and plow streets in the student neighborhoods when snow accumulates at least four inches. This can cause frustration for students who are unable to move their cars due to heavy snow.
With the shortage of drivers and the winter months still upon us, ODOT suggests motorists stay off the road when a winter storm hits or is projected to hit. Their trucks have been hit 23 times this winter, which requires other snow plow drivers to adjust to cover the routes of the hit trucks. Staying at home during winter storms can help snow plow drivers perform their jobs without having to dodge crashes or other vehicles.
In conclusion, the shortage of snow plow drivers in Montgomery County is causing delays and frustration for motorists. The shortage is due to an aging workforce and retirements, as well as the decrease in over-the-road trucking due to COVID-19. ODOT is offering a new training program for the commercial driver’s license, but the shortage of drivers continues to be a struggle. Pretreating the roads with liquid brine prior to a storm can give crews a head start, but the shortage of drivers means roads are getting plowed at a slower rate. Staying at home during winter storms can help snow plow drivers perform their jobs without having to dodge crashes or other vehicles.
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