A Dangerous Spike in Snowplow Collisions

On Wednesday, February 12, during a massive statewide snowstorm, Iowa recorded 15 incidents where vehicles struck DOT snowplows, setting a new single-day record. Previously, the highest number of snowplow strikes in a single day stood at nine in 2024.

This year’s unprecedented collisions didn’t just impact February. Until this week, only nine snowplow hits had been recorded for the entire 2025 winter season, which officially began on October 15. Now, with two months remaining until winter operations conclude on April 15, the season’s total has climbed to 25 snowplow strikes.

To put this in perspective, the annual average for snowplow collisions from 2015 to 2024 hovered around 32, with the highest total set in 2019 at 47 accidents.

Collision Breakdown and Key Patterns

The snowstorm’s collisions comprised equal numbers of rear-end hits and sideswipes, occurring across multiple regions, including the northeast, southeast, and southwest parts of Iowa. Seven of these accidents were reported along the heavily traveled I-80 corridor. While snowfall persisted throughout the day, the majority of incidents took place during daylight hours.

Although all 15 strikes caused varying levels of damage to snowplows, specific estimates are not yet available.

Why Are Snowplow Collisions Happening?

Craig Bargfrede, Iowa DOT’s winter operations administrator, pointed to several preventable factors contributing to this sharp rise in snowplow collisions.

“Many motorists are distracted and not recognizing what’s ahead or adjusting their following distances in winter driving conditions,” he explained. “Additionally, speed and visibility—two key factors—are creating dangerous situations. Working plows travel between 10 and 35 miles per hour and often create snow clouds that reduce visibility. Drivers approach these clouds too quickly without reducing their speed.”

Bargfrede emphasized that these accidents not only jeopardize the safety of DOT employees but also compromise the safety of all motorists. Many collisions even result in snowplows being taken out of service, limiting their ability to maintain safer roads during critical times.

Stay Safe Around Snowplows with Smart Driving Practices

To prevent accidents and protect both DOT workers and travelers, the Iowa DOT urges drivers to follow these vital safety tips when approaching a snowplow:

1. Don’t Crowd the Plow

Snowplows are wider than most road vehicles and frequently turn or exit the roadway. Their front blades extend several feet and may cross the shoulder or centerline.

2. Avoid Passing on the Shoulder Side

Plows are designed to move snow toward shoulders, making it unsafe to pass on that side. Stay behind them—it’s safer and ensures cleared paths.

3. Beware of Wing Blades

Watch out for wing blades, which may be hidden under blowing snow but extend from either side of the snowplow truck.

4. Don’t Tailgate or Stop Too Close

Keep a safe distance behind snowplows as they may stop abruptly or spread deicing materials onto the road. Following too closely puts you at risk if they need to maneuver suddenly.

5. Limit Time Beside the Plow

Driving alongside snowplows can be risky, especially if a snowdrift or packed snow causes the truck to shift unexpectedly.

6. Move Away from the Centerline

When passing a snowplow on a two-lane road, give them space by moving to the far-right side of your lane.

7. Pass Only When Absolutely Necessary

If you need to pass a snowplow, wait for a large, unmistakably clear opening, and don’t merge back too closely.

8. Use Your Headlights

Using your headlights ensures that snowplow operators can spot you easily in their mirrors, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Source: The Trucker

The post Record-Breaking Snowplow Collisions Highlight Winter Driving Risks in Iowa appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

How Traffic Jams Disrupt Delivery Timelines

Heavy traffic can derail even the best-planned schedules. Popular freight bottlenecks, such as the notorious I-95 and SR 4 junction in Fort Lee, New Jersey, are long-standing trouble spots for truckers. Delays in these areas lead to missed deadlines, rescheduled routes, and unsatisfied clients. Staying ahead of these bottlenecks is crucial for dependable deliveries.

The Fuel Inefficiency of Congested Roads

Stop-and-go traffic isn’t just frustrating—it’s costly. Frequent idling and slow speeds hike up fuel consumption. Data from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) shows that road congestion added a staggering $108.8 billion in trucking costs during 2022. Beyond straining the wallet, these inefficiencies also increase carbon emissions, underlining the environmental impacts of highway gridlock.

The High Safety Risks of Congested Conditions

Traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard. Crowded highways packed with sudden stops, erratic lane changes, and unexpected accidents raise the likelihood of collisions. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), crashes and breakdowns worsen congestion and put all vehicles at risk. Awareness and caution are critical for navigating such conditions.

Pro Tips for Truck Drivers to Alleviate Traffic Hassles on the Busiest Highways

While challenges are inevitable, proactively planning your trips can help lessen the burden of congested highways. Here are four strategies to keep you moving and safe:

1. Leverage Real-Time Traffic Technology – Equip your rig with GPS devices or apps that provide live updates on road conditions. By identifying construction zones, accidents, and bottlenecks early, you can detour to safer, faster routes.
2. Choose Strategic Driving Hours – When possible, align your schedule to avoid rush hours. Early morning or late-night driving through urban centers typically sees lighter traffic, saving both time and fuel.
3. Rely on Truck-Specific Navigation Systems – General GPS tools might not offer routes optimized for large vehicles. Use navigation tools specifically designed for truckers. These programs consider weight, size restrictions, and road regulations to create tailored and safer routes.
4. Stay Updated with Traffic Alerts – Keep checking for live reports, whether through apps, radio, or trucking forums. Understanding the causes of gridlock and staying flexible with your route can greatly enhance productivity.

Get Ahead of the Traffic Curve

America’s busiest highways will always pose challenges, but adaptability is key. With the right tools and strategies, truck drivers can overcome the hurdles of traffic, ensuring on-time deliveries and safer roads for everyone.

The post How Truck Drivers Can Tackle America’s Busiest Highways with Confidence appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The updated categories now include:

• Normal

• Partially Covered

• Completely Covered

• Travel Not Advised

• No Report

State officials believe these revised classifications will simplify the process for motorists to understand road conditions and make safer travel decisions.

“We continually look for ways to enhance our 511 Wisconsin traveler information service,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “As we prepare for another winter season, we’re excited to announce these new road condition categories. We know that road conditions during Wisconsin’s winters can change in the blink of an eye, and drivers must expect the unexpected. We’re confident the updated winter road condition categories will help drivers make informed travel decisions this winter and beyond.”

To complement the updated categories, 511 Wisconsin will continue offering live-streaming video through hundreds of traffic cameras, covering more than 14,000 miles of roadway. This ensures drivers have access to real-time information before hitting the road.

Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasized the collaborative effort behind keeping motorists informed.

“The Wisconsin State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies coordinate with TMC staff and dispatchers working around the clock to keep all travelers in the know,” Carnahan stated. “Our winter weather in Wisconsin can make driving dangerous at times, so we encourage drivers to plan ahead, watch your speed during inclement weather, and avoid distractions behind the wheel.”

WisDOT also reminds drivers to take necessary precautions if travel is unavoidable during hazardous conditions. Key safety tips include:

• Clearing snow and ice from windows, lights, the roof, and the hood of your car.

• Ensuring your fuel tank is full and your windshield washer fluid is topped up.

• Packing a fully charged phone and an emergency kit in your vehicle.

Chain Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of several states where the use of tire chains is permitted, but no strict regulations specify how or when they should be used.

Source: Land Line

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) supports this approach wholeheartedly. The agency has introduced a comprehensive “toolkit” available on their website, targeting teenagers to impart essential knowledge for driving safely around large trucks and buses.

“FMCSA’s resources are designed for driving instructors, parents and others who teach young drivers,” states the agency on its online platform. “The information and tips help drivers understand large trucks and buses and the safe driving behaviors needed around them.”

Of course, it’s not just young drivers who can benefit from a refresher—drivers of all ages could improve their safety around these large vehicles.

The FMCSA’s toolkit includes valuable materials such as a lesson plan, a presentation, and a student handout.

Key Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers

• Wide Turns: Large vehicles require more room to turn. Attempting to pass while a truck or bus is turning can lead to accidents. It’s crucial to slow down and allow them enough room to complete their turns.

• Extended Stopping Distances: Cutting closely in front of a truck or bus during a merge can be dangerous as these vehicles need more time to stop. Ensure there is sufficient space between your car and the larger vehicle when merging.

• Significant Blind Spots: Trucks and buses have large blind spots, making it difficult for their drivers to see smaller vehicles. If you find yourself in a truck’s blind spot, safely accelerate to pass it or decelerate to stay behind it.

“Trucks and buses are extremely large, travel long distances, and deliver the goods we need,” FMCSA emphasizes. “Respect the rig by learning the risks they pose and giving them space.”

The FMCSA also advises young drivers to maintain a safe distance from large trucks and buses and to minimize distractions like texting while driving.

For further details, you can access the full resources here.

Source: Land Line

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