Is it better to drive on the highways or city streets in a snowstorm? Which typically get priority plowing?

Question

Is it better to drive on the highways or city streets in a snowstorm? Which typically get priority plowing?

Answer 1

Those are all good answers. In New York, the city has the manpower to take care of the streets and I think the highways around the city. In a bad storm I'd travel on the highway. My commute was a 40 mile round trip so I wouldn't use the streets. I found them to be about the same. I guess it depends where you live.

Answer 2

It will depend on your particular area, but in general, highways are the responsibility of the state, whereas cities are responsible for their own streets. In my experience, the highways are usually cleared much faster than city streets. In the cities, there are usually particular streets designated as snow routes (and usually marked with signs) that will receive priority when the plows are out. In general, it is probably slightly safer to drive on highways than city streets during a blizzard, but it will depend on your area.

Answer 3

The highway get's priority plowing first...it's best to drive the highway.

Answer 4

Stay where the traffic is.

Answer 5

Highways. The city streets might be plowed quickly too since the city does the plowing. They dont have to take care of the highway too. I would prefer driving in the city because i've seen a lot of spin outs and many accidents on the highways after it was plowed. I just feel like i have a smaller chance of spinning out or getting into an accident while driving on the streets.

Answer 6

With the inability to properly plow city streets during a heavy snowstorm in most cities it would be better to stay on the highway since they will more than often get the priority.

Answer 7

Priority plowing varies by location.  In a snowstorm, I'd

recommend driving wherever you can see the road environ-

ment the best.  Some highways are not lighted and it can be

hard to see the edge of the roadway.  If visibility is low enough

you may need to use the highway simply because all your

traffic is going the same direction...a head-on collision is less

likely.  My point is, keep your options open.  Don't commit to a

"one-size-fits-all" approach

Answer 8

you need to drive on the ones that get you were you want to go.

Answer 9

During a snowstorm it is usually not adviseable to be travelling in the first place. However with that being said, there are usuall three tiers...the first and utmost priority is the city emergency routes which are marked on some highways as being designated natural disaster routes (Usually highways). Also as a priority comes essential service areas....hospitals...ambulance streets...police streets...correctional centre facility areas...etc. When these have been done...the second tier is roads on residential streets. When these are done...the last thing usually is industrial areas where the traffic would be somewhat lighter. Anyways, hope this helps.

Answer 10

In a snowstorm, especially a bad storm,  I prefer city streets.  The main reason is that you're traveling at slower speeds and if you do get into an accident you are less likely to get injured or killed and vehicle damage should be minimal.  Highways do get priority in plowing but are still dangerous because of over-confident drivers going too fast for the road conditions.  Next snowstorm...look at the cars you see in the ditch...many are SUVs w/ drivers who thought their vehicle could handle the pavement.  The most simple and best advice is to SLOW DOWN.  Leave early and give yourself plenty of time.  It's better to get there a little late and safe than end up in the ditch or in an accident.

Answer 11

Highways, because there is no oncoming traffic and nobody throwing snow from their driveway into the street.

Answer 12

usually the highways and because more people drive on them just follow the people in front of you's tracks.good luck!