As of January, nine Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) snowplows have been involved in crashes across the state, including four incidents in the southeast region, Wyoming News Now reports.
WYDOT is urging drivers to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when encountering plows on snowy roads.
Andrea Staley with WYDOT emphasized the importance of raising awareness for the safety of snowplow drivers.
“Just trying to get a little bit more awareness for our plow operators out there and get them safely home and safely plowing the roads,” Staley said.
The recent crashes have caused significant damage, including a bent plow frame and the total loss of a plow side blade.
One contributing factor to the collisions is the slower speed at which snowplows travel. This is necessary to ensure the aggregate they spread stays on the road and does not bounce off.
WYDOT is reminding drivers of key safety protocols when driving near snowplows:
- Always pass on the left if it is safe to do so, and never pass on the right.
- Yield to snowplows, as required by Wyoming law.
- Plows typically pull over every 20 miles or when conditions permit to allow traffic to pass.
“It’s just a couple more minutes, you know. It’s always safest behind the plow,” Staley added.
WYDOT is encouraging motorists to check its website for updated road conditions and live web camera footage before traveling during the winter months.
