Montana Highway Patrol reminds drivers to slow down near plows, emergency responders
Kathleen Woodford Mineral Independent | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 10 months AGO
A snow plow was damaged Dec. 28 when it collided with a passenger car trying to pass. Montana Highway Patrol reminds drivers to use caution when passing plows. (Photo courtesy of Frenchtown Volunteer Fire Department)
Winter weather advisories had been issued for the entire western half of Montana starting last Tuesday and continued throughout the week of Dec. 26. Numerous vehicle accidents were strewn across Interstate 90, as well as surrounding areas, as a result of the hazardous driving conditions, including a collision between a passenger vehicle and a Missoula County plow truck on Dec. 28 near mile marker 87.
The plow truck was returning for fuel when the passenger car attempted to pass and lost control, according to the Frenchtown Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson Mel Holtz. No injuries were reported.
The Montana Highway Patrol Accident Awareness program reminds drivers to slow down when they come upon the scene of an accident.
“It’s critical for their safety and the safety of others,” said Colonel Tom Butler with the Montana Highway Patrol, “and slow down for emergency vehicles.”
According to the Montana Highway Patrol incident report, 48 accidents were reported in Mineral County between Dec. 26 and Dec. 28. To date in 2017 there have been 184 fatalities on Montana highways compared to 187 in 2016.