4 minutes

Paul Cotter

Winter driving can be a challenge, especially when you encounter a snow plow clearing the roads during a snowstorm. It is not uncommon for drivers to ask how someone can crash into a snowplow while it is working. However, accidents involving snow plows do in fact happen and they can cause serious damage to both vehicles.

Recently, a semi-truck driver in Idaho learned this lesson the hard way. While driving on I-15 near Downey, the driver collided with a snowplow clearing the inside shoulder of the highway. Despite flashing lights and other warning signals on the snowblower, the semi-truck made a rear-end collision with the vehicle. Fortunately no one was injured, but both vehicles sustained significant damage.

We took this video from Idaho State Police YouTube Channel.

The driver was fined for failing to yield the right of way to a service vehicle - a costly mistake that could have been avoided with more careful driving. This accident is a reminder of the importance of exercising caution when driving in winter conditions. Snowplows operate in difficult weather conditions and can be difficult to spot, even with blinkers on.

The Idaho State Police (ISP) and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) advise drivers to slow down when visibility is limited. Not only does this help prevent accidents, but it also ensures that snow plow drivers operate safely and efficiently. Unfortunately there will be one less snow plow driver before the end of winter because of this accident.

It should be noted that winter driving requires extra caution and it is important to remember the presence of snow plows on the roads. By reducing speed and remaining vigilant, we can all contribute to road safety during the winter months.