# Does the President have a snow plow? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 6, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947 "2010-02-06T20:29:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gitfiddle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/898d66/32.png) [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/1 "2010-02-06T20:29:04Z")
I’m just curious what happens in a case like this. I’m watching my street, one of the main thoroughfares in DC, become more and more covered with snow, to the point that it seems that they’ve given up on salting/plowing it regularly. A plow goes by every once in a while, but not like the other times this season. What are the security implications of weather like this? Does Capitol Hill get special plow attention? Does the President have to stay home like the rest of us? (I’m guessing the answer is no, since I think I saw that he addressed a group of democrats this afternoon.) ---
**Author:** ![AWB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bb73d2/32.png) [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/2 "2010-02-06T21:12:31Z")
He has a helicopter. He doesn’t need his driveway plowed. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ponderoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponderoid/32/19221_2.png) [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/3 "2010-02-06T21:26:27Z")
Yes, the White House has at least one big rider snow blower. [This is the first pic](http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Mid-Atlantic-Snowstorm-Local-weather-forecasters/ss/events/us/121809atlanticstorm/im:/100206/ids_photos_ts/r235562671.jpg/) at the WH in this series, several more are later in the series. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/4 "2010-02-06T21:47:45Z")
> [@Ponderoid](#): > > Yes, the White House has at least one big rider snow blower. [This is the first pic](http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Mid-Atlantic-Snowstorm-Local-weather-forecasters/ss/events/us/121809atlanticstorm/im:/100206/ids_photos_ts/r235562671.jpg/) at the WH in this series, several more are later in the series. A snow blower isn’t going to be much good if the President needs to get from the White House to across the city. You need a snow PLOW (see: OP’s question) for such a thing. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/5 "2010-02-06T21:49:07Z")
One of the news agencies had a shot of the Presidential limo being preceded by a snowplow this morning. I’ll see if I can find which one posted it. ---
**Author:** ![Ponderoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponderoid/32/19221_2.png) [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/6 "2010-02-06T21:49:13Z")
There are several other pics in that series showing the streets of DC getting plowed this morning. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/7 "2010-02-06T21:50:21Z")
Can the helicopter land in deep snow? I would think they would prefer to land on an patch of ground that is cleared of snow. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/8 "2010-02-06T22:12:40Z")
cnn showed the national park service taking care of the grounds and paths of the white house. i’m betting there will be lots of sledding, snowball fights, and snow building going on with the first family. they have quite the lawn to roll around in. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/9 "2010-02-06T22:12:42Z")
> [@Ponderoid](#): > > There are several other pics in that series showing the streets of DC getting plowed this morning. :rolleyes: The question isn’t “is there at least one snow plow in the District of Columbia?” it’s “is there a snow plow specifically designated for the President?” Like a Snow Plow One that ensures that the President’s planned route is clear when there’s severe snow. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2010, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/10 "2010-02-06T23:17:11Z")
One would assume that between the US Park Service, the DC Public Works Department, the Secret Service and the GSA they make sure that at any given time the way is clear for the Prez and other key figures to get where they’re going one way or the other. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/11 "2010-02-07T00:00:59Z")
Bring out husky team 1. 😉 Seriously, is it a good idea risking the President on slick roads? A photo of the Presidential limo in a snowbank would be front page news for a week. As powerful as he is, even the Prez has to respect blizzards. It takes time to clear roads. Even if he has his own plow. ---
**Author:** ![gitfiddle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/898d66/32.png) [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/12 "2010-02-07T00:09:49Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Bring out husky team 1. 😉 > > Seriously, is it a good idea risking the President on slick roads? A photo of the Presidential limo in a snowbank would be front page news for a week. As powerful as he is, even the Prez has to respect blizzards. It takes time to clear roads. Even if he has his own plow. Actually, his motorcade was apparently [involved in an accident](http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0614831920100206). ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/13 "2010-02-07T00:11:08Z")
I found this on CNN. > [@](#): > > President Obama ditched his souped-up Cadillac limousine fondly known as “the Beast” this weekend for a vehicle capable of plowing through 20-plus inches of snow. Obama is traveling in an armored Chevy Suburban four-wheel-drive SUV to ensure he keeps to his schedule, despite the harrowing weather conditions. [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/?fbid=nA5F\_340YW5](http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/?fbid=nA5F_340YW5) It was a foolish thing to do. > [@](#): > > But the scariest moment came when the motorcade was returning from the president’s event. On a narrow road between the Treasury Department and the White House, a tree branch, weighed down by the snow, snapped and fell onto a vehicle carrying members of the media. ---
**Author:** ![Telperion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telperion/32/509_2.png) [@Telperion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperion)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/14 "2010-02-07T01:15:37Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Can the helicopter land in deep snow? I would think they would prefer to land on an patch of ground that is cleared of snow. They actually place portable platforms for helicopters so the White House lawn doesn’t get damaged by landing wheels, according to a National Geographic documentary I saw about Marine One. Can’t see why those wouldn’t work on snow as well if necessary, though I wouldn’t want to be the one carrying them out there. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/15 "2010-02-07T02:24:36Z")
Then, too, driving on snow isn’t impossible, as everyone around here knows. By the end of winter, the road in front of my apartment is usually packed to about an inch above the height of the curb, and folks still drive it. I imagine that driving in such conditions is covered in the super-elite Secret Service driving training. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/16 "2010-02-07T18:12:58Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I found this on CNN. > > [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/?fbid=nA5F\_340YW5](http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/?fbid=nA5F_340YW5) > > It was a foolish thing to do. Your profile says you’re from Arkansas. I can assure you that driving in the snow is not as treacherous as people in warmer climates make it out to be. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/17 "2010-02-07T18:49:48Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Your profile says you’re from Arkansas. I can assure you that driving in the snow is not as treacherous as people in warmer climates make it out to be. I’ll second this. I’ve plowed through 20+ inches of snow in plain ol’ normal cars, most recently a friend of mine’s Cadillac. We get 200+ inches of snow here many winters, and I can never remember any major streets being closed. In fact, the only street in town that’s ever closed due to weather is one street right down next to the lake that tends to get snow/water blown off the lake onto it during storms, and that’s closed just as often in summer (due to water) as it is in winter (due to snow.) ---
**Author:** ![Xgemina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/b5e925/32.png) [@Xgemina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xgemina)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/18 "2010-02-07T18:58:34Z")
Kinda funny, east coast gets 30 F degree temps and 2 feet of snow and it’s national news. We get -30 F degree temps and 2 feet of snow and it’s just the weather segment on the local news. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2010, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-president-have-a-snow-plow/527947/19 "2010-02-07T23:54:27Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Then, too, driving on snow isn’t impossible, as everyone around here knows. By the end of winter, the road in front of my apartment is usually packed to about an inch above the height of the curb, and folks still drive it. I imagine that driving in such conditions is covered in the super-elite Secret Service driving training. The East Coast doesn’t do it this way. All roads are plowed, sanded, and often salted. Main roads are done at least once an hour during the storm. Perhaps they get kickbacks from the salt companies and the Teamsters are concerned that they won’t get enough overtime. This is one of the reasons why the East Coast panics when it snows. It’s also why they call it the Rust Belt. Hard-packed snow is relatively easy to drive on. Plowed roads have irregular traction and they ice over wherever they aren’t warmed by the friction of tires.