Over 1.3 million readers this year!

Snowplow collides with guardrail to avoid commercial vehicle

(Shutterstock)

CASPER, Wyo. — A Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplow operator nearly collided with a commercial vehicle on Interstate 80 early Monday morning.

That’s according to a release from the WYDOT, which stated that the snowplow was clearing snow in the emergency lane when a commercial vehicle driver in the travel lane, along with another commercial vehicle in the passing lane, approached the plow while crossing a bridge.

“The commercial operator in the travel lane failed to yield or slow to the plow operator,” the release stated. “This forced the plow unit to make evasive maneuvers to avoid being rear ended or sideswiped. The plow unit moved to the right and collided with the guardrail as a result.”

According to the release, the driver of the commercial vehicle was pursued by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the driver was cited. Neither the WYDOT snowplow operator nor the driver of the commercial vehicle was injured.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at milepost 326.6 on I-80 westbound on the Blair-Wallis Bridge. The release notes that road conditions were clear and that minor damage was sustained by the snowplow and the guardrail.

The release also reminded drivers that Wyoming Statute § 31-5-224 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles and move over to allow them to pass. The statute also applies to maintenance workers.

“WYDOT reminds drivers to be mindful when driving in winter conditions,” the release stated. “This includes checking road conditions before traveling, driving at a speed suitable for the conditions, and watching for snowplows.”


Back

Related