The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) and North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) urge motorists to exercise caution while snowplows are working to clear highways.
In an eight-hour period on Wednesday, Dec. 26, NDHP investigated five crashes involving snowplows. In four separate crashes, vehicles rear ended snow plows on I-94 near Richardton; on I-94 near Hebron; on I-94 near Steele and on Highway 85 near Williston. Minor injuries were reported in the Steele and Richardton crashes.
Two additional crashes were the result of drivers attempting to pass snowplows engaged in road clearing and struck other vehicles as they attempted to pass the snowplow. One crash within that 8-hour timeframe occurred on I-94 near Hebron, where no injuries were reported. A second crash on Thursday, Dec. 27, occurred on Highway 22 north of Killdeer. A driver was killed in that crash.
Motorists are reminded to drive with caution around snowplows and follow these safety tips:
- Slow down and drive according to the conditions
- Stay back at least five car lengths behind the snowplow. Be patient, the driver will periodically pull over to allow traffic to pass
- Never drive through “white-outs” or “snow fog” caused by cross winds or plowing snow. Wait until you can clearly see your surroundings
- Know where the snowplow is on multi-lane roadways, and remember the plow could be in either lane or on the shoulder
The NDHP and NDDOT remind drivers to always drive according to conditions, make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts, and to drive distraction-free.
This photo was taken of a vehicle involved in the Richardton crash.