WYDOT reminds drivers about plow safety after three plow strikes in less than one week

CHEYENNE, Wyo.  – The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to remind motorists to use caution when driving around snowplows this winter season.

“We have already seen three snowplows hit in four days, a concerning trend as the winter season is just getting started,” said Tim Morton, maintenance engineer for District 1, which covers southeast Wyoming.

The plow strikes all took place in District 1, including on Interstate 80 near mile marker 274 Nov. 20 and near mile marker 386 Nov. 24, as well as on Interstate 25 near mile marker 23 on Nov. 24. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of the crashes. However, two of the crashes resulted in damaged plows.

“Plows that are damaged are in the shop rather than out on the highway clearing ice and snow,” Morton said.

In winters spanning 2014-2019, the agency averaged about eight plow hits per season. However in recent winters, strikes have spiked. The department saw 25 plows hit last winter, 18 in winter 2021/2022, a record-breaking 26 in winter 2020/2021, and 23 in winter 2019/2020.

Motorists are encouraged to give plows plenty of room to work. The road behind an active plow is freshly salted, sanded and plowed, which makes it safer. However, plows have to move slowly in order to be effective, which often means drivers will want to pass a plow.

“Snowplows create their own snow clouds, which can make visibility challenging,” Morton said. “Always wait until visibility is clear enough that you can safely maneuver to pass around the plow, especially if the wing plow is out.”

Drivers are also encouraged to drive according to conditions and to avoid driving distracted or impaired.

“We want everyone to get home safely ,” Morton said.