Eckelson  (NDHP)  The north Dakota Highway Patrol reports that on Sun Feb 24 at approximately 10:30 am, a 2015 International NDDOT snow plow was clearing snow from the westbound I-94 driving lane and shoulder at MM 278.5 when a 2017 Kenworth attempted to pass the plow and drove into the snow fog created by the snow plow. The Semi sideswiped the DOT plow truck.  This crash took place near Eckelson.

The Kenworth was driven by Duwayne Gerving, 63, Bismarck, ND.  Gerving was uninjured in the crash.  He was cited for striking a snow plow.  The Kenworth sustained disabling damage.

The 38 male NDDOT snow plow operator was uninjured.  The International snow plow had moderate 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.