A collision occurred Thursday afternoon in Ten Sleep Canyon on US Highway 16 when a Ford Ranger slid into the front of a Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) plow truck, Cowboy State Daily reports.
Fortunately, no one was injured, and while the Ford Ranger suffered significant front-end damage, the plow truck emerged unscathed.
WYDOT spokesperson Cody Beers explained that both vehicles were moving slowly at the time of the collision, likely under 5 mph. The road was slick due to fresh snow, causing the Ranger to slide across the road and into the plow truck. The plow, which was already in operation clearing snow from the highway, continued its work after the accident.
Beers emphasized the importance of caution when driving near plow trucks, especially in winter weather.
“Plows are big, they’re full iron, and there’s no give in a plow or a plow truck,” he said. “Is it worth crashing to pass a snowplow to make up five minutes on your trip? I would say no.”
While winter weather has been mild in Wyoming’s lower elevations, snow accumulation in the higher regions has prompted increased activity from WYDOT’s snowplows. The department is frequently clearing mountain passes such as Togwotee and Powder River passes, where snow has accumulated over recent days.
With more snow expected across Wyoming in the coming weeks, Beers urged drivers to stay prepared for winter conditions, especially when traveling over mountain passes.
“If you’re heading to Cheyenne or Evanston, going to Utah or anywhere else, just know that you’re going to get some winter weather at some point,” he advised.
WYDOT offers several resources for checking road conditions, including the 511 app, the Wyoming Travel Information Map, and various traffic cameras. Beers recommended drivers use these tools to ensure their safety during winter trips. Additionally, drivers should ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, including having good tires, checking oil levels, and packing winter survival supplies like warm clothes, sleeping bags, and water.
