EDIT: When it comes to snowplows, don't be that guy

The snow is flying in North Idaho, and with it comes a familiar sight, and a serious responsibility: snowplows. 

Each year, hundreds of accidents across the country involve these massive machines. In 2024, 12 of those crashes happened right here in Idaho. 

For as beautiful as fresh snow may be, it can quickly turn into a major inconvenience when you’re running late. But no matter how urgent your schedule feels, passing a snowplow while it’s operating is never worth the risk. It doesn’t save time—it creates danger for you, your passengers, the plow driver, and everyone depending on clear roads. 

To the men and women behind the wheel of these rigs, we salute you. Yours is a thankless job, one that pulls you away from family during the holidays, demands grueling hours, and puts you on the front lines of some of Idaho’s most treacherous roads. 

Snowplows aren’t just clearing snow; they’re spreading sand and de-icer, often at speeds much slower than normal traffic. Their blades extend beyond the truck, and visibility behind them is poor. When you try to pass, you’re gambling with blind spots, slick conditions, and flying debris. 

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, most collisions with plows happen because drivers misjudge distance or lose control on icy pavement. The result? Damaged vehicles, injuries, and sometimes fatalities, all because someone couldn’t wait a few extra minutes. 

Every time a plow is involved in an accident, it’s not just one vehicle that suffers. That plow is now out of service, which means longer delays for everyone else on the road. In severe storms, that can mean entire highways remain dangerous for hours longer than necessary. 

So when you pass a plow, you’re not just risking your own safety; you’re slowing down the entire community’s ability to get back to normal. 

If you see a plow, give it space. Stay back at least 50 feet and never attempt to pass unless the driver signals you to do so. Better yet, plan ahead, leave early, check road conditions, and accept that winter driving requires patience.