(Des Moines) Winter arrived with a vengeance during Valentine’s Day week, but a record number of Iowa DOT snowplows did not feel the love. The statewide storm system that impacted Iowa on Wednesday, February 12, resulted in a total of 15 snowplow hits, setting a one-day record for equipment strikes during a winter season.
The previous single-day record of snowplow hits was nine in 2024. Prior to this week’s storms, the 2025 winter season total count for snowplow hits was also nine.
Since the official Iowa DOT winter season started on October 15, a total of 25 DOT snowplows have been hit by vehicles and experienced several other close calls. Two months remain until the DOT’s winter season officially ends April 15. The average snowplow hits from 2015 to 2024 was 32, with a record high year in 2019 that ended with 47 motorists colliding with snowplows.
The DOT’s winter operations team indicates that the types of snowplow strikes that happened on Feb. 12 consisted of an even split between rear-end collisions and sideswipes. These hits occurred across Iowa on roadways in the northeast, southeast and southwest quadrants of the state. Although those incidents happened primarily on interstates, and multi-lane US and state highways, seven of the hits took place along the I-80 corridor. Despite the long duration of snowfall, most of the incidents happened during daytime hours. While all plow hits resulted in some level of equipment damage, no damage estimates are available at this time.
“There are a number of factors that are contributing to these hits. Many motorists are distracted and not recognizing what is ahead and or adjusting following distance in winter driving conditions, but it’s also clear that speed and visibility are other key reasons,” according to Craig Bargfrede, winter operations administrator.
“Working plows travel 10 to 35 miles per hour and create a cloud of snow that impacts visibility. We’re seeing drivers approach these plumes without reducing their speeds. With more systems on the way today, tomorrow, and next week, we need drivers to remember that we are sharing the road to clear the way for them, but we need cooperation and more cautious driving,” Bargfrede added.
Bargfrede says the snowplow hits need to stop, and can often be prevented with smarter winter driving behaviors. DOT employees and the traveling public are put at extreme risk when these strikes occur. Collisions also often take plows out of service at critical times. To enhance your safety, use these quick tips the next time you approach the flashing white, amber, and blue lights of a snowplow:
TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY AROUND SNOWPLOWS
- Don’t crowd the plow: Maintenance vehicles plow far and wide, have big blind spots, and turn and exit the road frequently. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations.
- Never pass on the shoulder-side of a plow: Operators are trained to move snow to the shoulder. It’s safer to hang back; plows can be tricky to maneuver around.
- Watch for wing blades: These side blades mounted on either side of a truck can be hard to spot under blowing snow.
- Don’t tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows: Snowplows are usually spreading deicing materials from the back of the truck. They may need to stop or take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If following a snowplow, stay behind it or use extreme caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on.
- Don’t travel beside a plow for long periods: When plowing through a snowdrift or packed snow, the impact can move the truck sideways and can create a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react.
- Move as far away from the centerline of the pavement: When meeting a snowplow on a two-lane road, move to the right of the centerline to give them more room.
- Allow plenty of room if passing: If passing is absolutely necessary, identify a very large opening, and don’t cut in too quickly. Operators will pull over periodically to let vehicles pass.
- Use your headlights: Snowplow operators can more easily spot approaching vehicles in their mirrors when drivers turn on their headlights.
Full Interview with Kevin Jipsen, from the Iowa Department of Transportation Maintenance Garage in Atlantic.
