Valley City (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports, on February 20th at approximately 3:32 pm, a 2004 Mack NDDOT snow plow was clearing snow from the eastbound I-94 passing lane at MM 293 when a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado drove into the snow fog created by the snow plow, and rear ended the snow plow.  This crash took place at Valley City.

The news release says, the Chevrolet was driven by 28 year old Matthew Klar,  of, Hinckley, MN.  Klar was  not injured in the crash.  He was cited for Following Too Close.  The Chevrolet was totaled.

The 54 yeat old  male NDDOT snow plow operator was not injured.  This is the second time this winter he has been struck.  The Mack snow plow had minor damage.

 

The NDHP would remind motorists to give NDDOT snow plows the space necessary to safely remove the snow and ice from our roadways.  Snow plows continue being struck statewide this year.

NDDOT snow plows and other snow removal equipment have emergency lighting to make traffic aware of their location.  Blowing snow and snow fog may obscure these lights and the NDDOT equipment at times.

Always slow down when approaching a snow plow and pass safely when you are can clearly see around the snow plow and the snow plow operator would be able see you.

If your vision is obscured by the snow fog a plow is creating, stay back, slow your speed, turn on your hazard lights and wait for the plow operator to pull over to allow traffic to pass.

Don’t ever blindly drive into a snow fog without slowing down.  In addition, do not become distracted while driving and never drink and drive.