Snow plow hit March 7 on WYO 120 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse; drivers reminded to slow down and avoid passing plow trucks

As Wyoming residents begin digging out from Wednesday's major blizzard that rocked southern and eastern Wyoming, drivers are reminded to drive slower on slick roads and avoid passing plow trucks.

An example of this occurred about 7 a.m. March 7 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse in northwest Wyoming when a Wyoming Department of Transportation plow truck was hit by an oilfield service truck attempting to pass on the right side of the plow truck in a multi-lane section of WYO 120 near Grass Creek.

Another plow truck was hit from behind Wednesday in southern Wyoming during the blizzard which caused limited visibility on Interstate 80 and other highways, and many road closures. Many of the highways remain closed today as high winds and drifting snow continues.

The March 7 crash in northwest Wyoming involved a driver passing a plow truck on the right side as the plow pushed snow toward the right side of the highway with use of a wing plow. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the oilfield truck driver attempted to pass the slow-moving plow truck and was unable to see the deployed wing plow due to the ever-present snow cloud being kicked up in the air from plowing operations.

After colliding with the plow truck, the oilfield truck turned/slid in front of the WYDOT plow truck, and the plow truck driver was able to turn left and avoid another collision. According to Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Jason Venable, "both vehicles crossed the center line and continued to the south before crossing the south fog line, entering the shoulder, colliding with and passing through the right-of-way fence and coming to a rest on the southern slope of the gulley."

Neither the WYDOT driver or oilfield truck driver sustained injuries.

The plow truck sustained minor damage to the passenger side windows, wing plow and front plow during the collision and subsequent crash through the fence. The oilfield truck, a flatbed/straight truck with large diameter piping used to pump/transfer fluids, received damage to the underbelly storage box and front driver's side headlight area.

WYDOT Meeteetse Maintenance Foreman Shawn Coggins said it's important for citizens to realize that WYDOT plow trucks are out on the highways during and after snow storms.

Coggins said snow plow professionals need cooperation from drivers so they can do their jobs and keep the road safe for drivers. Simply, give them room to operate.
 
"Stay well back from operating snow plows," Coggins said. "They are spreading sand, anti-icing and de-icing chemicals on the roadway. It's always a good idea to stay back from snow plows while their operators are doing their jobs. We still get people passing the plow truck at inappropriate times. Sometimes it takes a little time, but we'll get out of the way when it's safe. If we're not moving over for drivers, it's because it's not safe." 

WYDOT employees are on the roads when the conditions are the worst, and they're out there between storms, too.
 
"Remember, the safest driving surface is behind the plow. If you must pass, don't pass on the right into the plume of snow being moved," Coggins said. "Be sure on two-lane highways that you have plenty of time to pass. Keep a close watch. These huge plow trucks often stir up their own snow cloud while doing their work. It's impossible to see what's coming at you when passing a plow truck."
 
WYDOT snow plows usually operate at slower speeds than other traffic. "Always remember our plows are helping to keep you safe,"  Coggins said.

Information links may help

• National Weather Service (Riverton)
• WYDOT road conditions
• WYDOT road conditions – 1-888-WYO-ROAD
• 511 Notify – Dial 511 on your cell phone to obtain road information.  This system can also be enabled to deliver road alerts as text messages to your phone or e-mails to your computer or phone on routes that the user identifies. Go to www.wyoroad.info and choose the 511 notify icon to set-up your account.
• The Wyoming 511 smart phone app is available for free download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.  Search for the Wyoming 511 app, and look for the blue icon with the WYDOT logo on it, or go tohttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.wyoroad.mobile.android or https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wyoming-511/id1077881610.

In case of emergency, the following number may be contacted for assistance:

• Wyoming Highway Patrol (24 hours per day) - (800) 442-9090