Few people will argue that this winter in Eastern Oregon is more severe than recent memory, with back to back snow storms, sub-zero temperatures, occasional 80-mile-per-hour winds gusts, and challenging driving conditions throughout the area.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ODOT
Another sign of extreme weather is an increase in vehicle crashes, including those involving ODOT winter maintenance equipment. Several incidents involving snow plows have occurred since the first of December. Motorists trying to pass plowing operations have been a contributing factor in at least two of these crashes.
On Jan. 31, a semi-truck driver was cited after his vehicle struck a snow plow while he was attempting to pass on Interstate 84.
The collision caused the snow plow to enter the center median and roll onto its side. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in the recent incidences, but costs for damaged ODOT equipment and highway structures (guardrail, site posts, etc.) can be a financial burden for at-fault drivers and their insurance companies. Damage claims for plows and highway structures can range between a few thousand to well over $100,000.
“We really need all motorists to slow down and give winter maintenance crews the room they need to do their job,” said ODOT District 12 manager Marilyn Holt.
It’s illegal to pass a snowplow on the right on state highways and unsafe to pass plows on the left while they are actively performing snow removal operations.
“Most ODOT plows have movable wing plows that stick out more than eight feet from the right front edge of the truck,” Holt said. “Double-wing plows used to clear two freeway lanes at the same time have plow extensions on both the right and left sides.”
