A plow driver himself, he knows firsthand the safety benefits of such items as right-side power windows, and heated mirrors and wipers that clear fog quickly and prevent snow and ice buildup. Interiors with fabric headliners cut down on noise and keep the cab warmer, and air ride seats provide comfort and support to the driver during those 16 to 20 hour plowing days. Air conditioning and stereo radios with tape decks are also standard equipment on patrol trucks. The additions also bring greater trade-in value. Contracting out for graders and operators saves on capital costs and fringe benefits, says Jack La Plant, Green Bay's streets superintendent.
Some graders stay in the city equipment yard all winter while others stand by at the contractors.
They are paid to attend an evening safety and how-to session and to drive the route once in daylight before the first snowfall. Rental trucks haul snow from downtown areas in West Bend, says Street Superintendent Richard Heisler. Naming each plow route after its regular driver promotes pride and ownership, says Stevens Point Street Superintendent Howard Kriewski. A written form for each plowing event records the equipment, driver and route when a backup driver plows a Stevens Point route. If someone complains, Kriewski checks the form and sends the responsible driver back to fix the problem.