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.

“Every student’s submission to our Road Safety Art Contest not only reflects creativity and imagination – but also the need for all roadway users to focus on safety,” stated Vinn White, FMCSA Deputy. “We look forward to proudly showcasing the winning artwork at the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, DC.”

In a congratulatory video, White, along with U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, celebrated this year’s contest, which received nearly 300 submissions from students nationwide.

The Road Safety Art Contest invites students from kindergarten through high school to leverage their artistic skills to promote road safety awareness, particularly around large trucks and buses, whether they’re driving, biking, or walking.

This Year’s Winners:

• Grades K-2:
  • Grand Prize: Hannah Hong, California
  • People’s Choice: Alyssa Robinson, Texas
  • Honorable Mention: Dylan Kim, New Jersey
• Grades 3-5:
  • Grand Prize: Aahana Tiwari, Georgia
  • People’s Choice: William Do, New Jersey
  • Honorable Mention: Claire Wang, New Jersey
• Grades 6-8:
  • Grand Prize: Saanvi Bajaj, Georgia
  • People’s Choice: Aditya Yogesh, Michigan
  • Honorable Mention: Anwesha Joshi, Florida
• Grades 9-12:
  • Grand Prize: Cheyenne Chu, California
  • People’s Choice: Jennifer Choi, California
  • Honorable Mention: Feite Ban, New Jersey

“The announcement of winners also kicks off FMCSA’s national young audience campaign aimed at reaching soon-to-be and new passenger vehicle drivers,” the department stated. “As part of this campaign, FMCSA offers a teen driver toolkit for driver’s education instructors, school counselors, parents, and others to educate new and young passenger vehicle drivers about how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses. This new resource kit includes a lesson plan, presentation, and helpful digital assets for social media.”

The art contest and the young audience campaign are integral components of FMCSA’s efforts to enhance public awareness and education on safe driving practices for both commercial motor vehicle drivers and all roadway users. These initiatives align with the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and Safe System Approach, aiming to foster safe and responsible driving behaviors and create an environment where everyone can reach their destinations safely.

For more details about the Road Safety Student Art Contest and to view high-resolution images of the winning entries, visit FMCSA’s official website.

Source: The Trucker

The post A Bright Call to Action: FMCSA’s 2024 Art Contest Celebrates Student Creativity in Road Safety appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.