OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma state transportation officers stated they’re grappling with a snowplow driver scarcity heading into the winter months.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokeswoman Brenda Perry Clark stated in an electronic mail that they’re repeatedly attempting to fill their “transportation equipment operator” roles as a result of of excessive turnover. Clearing snow from roadways is a part-time obligation below the job description.
ODOT is about 5% to 10% under full staffing, she stated.
But Perry Clark stated these roles are traditionally unfilled, “so we are not worse off than in recent years.”
“Being an energy and agriculture state, we will always be competing for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) drivers,” she stated.
Earlier this month, the National Coalition for Open Roads warned in a news launch that Americans will doubtless face “long delays this winter” because of snowplow driver shortages. The group advocates for “cost-effective winter road maintenance practices.”
“State transportation officials have repeatedly told us they simply can’t fill many driver positions. In fact, one official recently said he needs 140 new snowplow drivers, but due to low wages and other concerns, he is having trouble hiring anyone,” stated Doug Anderson, the Utah-based incoming chairman of the National Coalition for Open Roads, in a press release.
The group stated the typical wage for drivers in some locations is much like what quick meals eating places are providing.
Oklahoma pays an annual wage of $38,000, $40,900 or $45,000 for full-time employment relying on expertise, in accordance with job postings on the state’s web site.
The open-roads group cited information from the U.S. Department of Transportation that confirmed from 2007 to 2016, snow and slush on roadways resulted nationally in 562,182 crashes, greater than 1,700 deaths and 138,735 accidents.
The group famous that some states have lowered the minimal age to drive a snowplow to 18. Some have begun paying 1000’s to coach drivers to qualify for a CDL.
In February, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials reported in a news launch that 84% of entities surveyed indicated “higher than normal vacancies of snowplow operators.” The group surveyed 31 state departments of transportation and 51 public works businesses.
The group stated the businesses rely both on full-time, seasonal or non permanent staff or contractors to function the plows. The group stated 44% of these surveyed stated that they had points discovering seasonal or non permanent staff, and 31% couldn’t discover personal contractors.
The group stated additionally they heard that CDL holders have been leaving the general public sector for “higher-wage jobs in the private sector.”
Perry Clark, with ODOT, stated their crews work 12-hour shifts in order that clearing and deicing operations can proceed across the clock. They additionally generally name on ODOT crews from surrounding counties to assist harder-hit areas. They even have on-demand contracts in case extra assets are wanted throughout a climate occasion.
With the winter climate anticipated over the subsequent few days, Perry Clark stated “drivers should absolutely expect the same level of great service,” although she stated that generally storms can show tougher for clearing operations relying on how they arrive.
Leslie Blair, a spokeswoman for Oklahoma Municipal League, stated no Oklahoma cities or cities have reached out particularly about snowplow driver shortages.
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