Iowa DOT Reports Record Number Of Snowplow Collisions

It's been a rough February.

It seems like everyone forgets how to drive in the snow and icy weather and new statistics back that up.

A recent release from the Iowa Department of Transportation reported that the snowstorm on February 12th set the state record for the number of one-day car vs. snowplow collisions.

The Iowa DOT reported that there were 15 total snowplow hits on February 12th. They said that the collisions were "an even split between rear-end collisions and sideswipes" and happened mostly in the northeast, southeast, and southwest parts of the state.

The car vs. snowplow collisions were mostly on interstates, with 7 of them on the I-80 corridor. And weirdly, most of the accidents were during daytime hours.

How To Drive Around Snowplows

Iowa DOT has some tips for driving around snowplows, since they can only drive 10-35 mph.

• Don't crowd the plow (remember, it kicks up snow anyway which hinders visibility)
• Never pass on the shoulder-side of the plow (that's where the plows dump the snow)
• Watch for wing blades
• Don't tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows
• Don't travel behind a plow for a long time
• Move as far away from the centerline as you can (they may need a couple of lanes)
• Allow plenty of room if you're passing
• Use your headlights (you should in snow anyway, but it's easier for plow drivers to see you)

For the whole winter season, Iowa's average amount of snowplow collisions (from 2015-2024) was 32. That record was set in 2019, when there were 47 collisions.