Snowplow hit in Gillette during early morning run

GILLETTE – A WYDOT snowplow was struck by a minivan on westbound Interstate 90, milepost 138, during the early morning hours of Jan. 24.

At about 3:30 a.m., a  WYDOT snowplow operator was plowing light, powdery snow on the right shoulder of the interstate when the minivan attempted to pass on the left side. The driver of the minivan became disoriented in the snow cloud kicked up by the plow and struck the left side of the front snowplow and left front fender of the WYDOT truck. 

The minivan sustained significant front end and right front tire damage. The WYDOT truck was not damaged. There were no injuries. The vehicles were able to move off the roadway under their own power and wait for Wyoming Highway Patrol to arrive.

WYDOT strongly encourages all drivers to increase their following distances when snow removal operations are occuring on the highways. What drivers may experience as good visibility and passing conditions may quickly change if the snowplow encounters changing snow conditions. 

WYDOT plow operators are experiencing high workloads while performing their duties. The changing snow conditions and lack of visible pavement markings could mean they are unable to maintain their lane of travel. Give the plow room to improve the road conditions for all involved. 
  
For information about this news release, contact WYDOT District 4 public information specialist Laura Dalles at (307) 752-3022.