OPINION: MassDOT Plows Should Up Their Game, Like Maine

As we recover from the first big snowstorm of the year in New England, I have some constructive criticism for MassDOT plows.

I was hunkered down in Maine for this weekend's big storm. Where I was, we ended up with a good half-foot of fluffy stuff, which made for a nice bit of sledding and woods-walking. And it was relatively easy to clear out on Sunday afternoon as well. I got on the road in Western Maine a little after 3:30 in the afternoon and the secondary roads were in decent shape despite snow still falling.

Once I hit the Maine Turnpike in Gray, I saw something I'd never seen before while driving during a snowstorm. In the right lane, there was a snow plow doing its thing, with a giant, blinking arrow on the back of the truck guiding traffic into the left lane. About five car lengths ahead was a snow plow in the left lane with a giant, blinking arrow on the back of the truck guiding traffic back into the right lane.

I was blown away. A safe, logical way to both clear snow and keep traffic moving.

In Massachusetts, things were quite different. The plows on the southbound stretch of I-95 were lined up in a staggered convoy: 4 plows, one in each lane, with the left lane plow feeding snow into the lane next to it, all they way down the line. No giant, blinking arrows telling drivers what to do. Just a glut of confused cars trying to weave their way in between the plows when space allowed.

Not the safest approach. Logical? I'm sure it was once upon a time. But it doesn't seem to be so anymore.

Now, this is not a complaint against the plow drivers. They're doing important work to keep our roads clear and safe during storms, and I thank them for that. They're just carrying out the orders given to them by MassDOT, from what I gather. So here's me saying to MassDOT: there's a better way. Get on the horn with MaineDOT. Do a ride along. Take notes. Then take their approach and apply it here in Massachusetts. It's a good habit from time-to-time to take a look at how you do a thing and try an improve upon it.

And do it soon, please. The 10-day forecast is calling for more snow after Martin Luther King Day.

As we gear up for the first big weather event of 2024, here are a few winter storm tips to help you get through it all.

Earlier this week, we looked ahead at the impact that the storm is likely to have on not just the Boston metro, but the region and the Atlantic coast. We've been tracking Winter Storm Ember over on Weather.com for updates. Of course, here in New England, the weather is the news, so pick your favorite local meteorologist. The locals and nationals agree, however: we're getting inches this weekend.

So what's your approach when there's snow in the forecast? Do you use salt or sand? Are you a shoveler or a snowblower? Are you lucky enough to have a neighbor who plows? I have two, and for years they've been generous to me and saved my back a bit of wear and tear. No matter your winter routine, I think the tips I've shared below will help you weather this storm and the others yet to come.

The seed for this piece was planted by the Neponset Stormwater Partnership. They recently posted a call on their blog to use greener ice melt. As they put it: "Some de-icing chemicals harden the soil and make it too salty for plant growth, others overload it with nutrients that can reduce oxygen levels in nearby streams and ponds. Still, other products corrode concrete, roadways, bridges, and cars."

So let's talk about how we can keep our walkways and driveways clear of snow while also protecting our land. And let's talk about how we can do all of that and keep our bodies healthy in the process. Winter in New England can be a beasts, but there are ways that we can tame it.

The Neponset Stormwater Partnership advises against using rock salt, as sodium chloride is bad for our soil, water, plants and pets. They advise looking for ice melts marked "pet safe" and "CMA."

Ice melt melts ice, right? So you sprinkle it on the ice, right? Yes and yes. But, if you put it down before snow starts falling, it's harder for ice to form on the surface, making it easier for shovels and plows later on.

That old, wooden-handled, metal-spade shovel you've been using for years might be reliable, but it's not efficient. Do a little research to find the right, modern model for you and your shoveling needs.

Our usual instinct when shoveling is to stoop. Don't do that! That's how you injure your back. Years ago, I started having back problems, so I started seeing a chiropractor. Here's his video on how best to shovel snow and save your back. This is where I have to mention that this is not a paid endorsement of any kind; I'm just sharing the information because it's helped me and I think it can help you, too.