June 10, 2021 |
The sunny and hot weather is the background for lawmakers as they discuss ways to reduce the number of collisions with WYDOT snowplows on Wyoming’s roadways in winter. Among the ideas: Penalties. Cali O’Hare has the story.
Pictured above: Snow plow struck during the 2020-2021 winter season. Photo courtesy WHP.
The motoring public should always stay a safe distance behind a plow, approximately four to five car lengths, until it’s safe to pass. WYDOT’s snowplows typically travel at speeds of 25 to 45 mph, depending on conditions. Drivers should never pass a snowplow on the right side of a two-lane road, in order to avoid colliding with its wing plow, which protrudes from the side of the truck.
There were 21 crashes involving WYDOT snow plows during the 2020-2021 winter season; 23 crashes in winter 2019-2020; eight crashes in 2018-2019; eight in 2017-2018, three in 2016-2017; seven in 2015-2016; and 13 in 2014-2015.
Related: Nine WYDOT plows struck over President’s Day weekend
