The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has added six new tow plows to its statewide winter arsenal to combat snow and ice on roads and highways.

Already used in northeast Indiana and 22 other states, a tow plow allows one plow truck and driver to clear two lanes at once, providing more consistent driving conditions and optimizing usage of fuel, equipment, and labor, according to INDOT. The tow plow and material spreader are pulled behind and to the side of a standard yellow INDOT plow truck, and can be deployed or retracted using in-cab controls.

INDOT plans to use the new tow plows on seven four-lane state highways except when stocking up on salt or fuel. The equipment may be redeployed to other parts of the state as needed this winter.

The department warned motorists to give plows room to work and to be careful if passing.