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 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. Your job 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. 

While we're on this subject, let's take a look at when the snowplows are called out in Coeur d'Alene, as it's always a hot topic. Some thought they might see them out Tuesday morning after several inches of snow fell overnight.

The basics are this:

A citywide plow is called only when more than 4 inches of snowfall is on the roadway, or 3 inches of snowfall is on the roadway and more than 4 is predicted.  

During a citywide plow, operations will begin at 4 a.m. in the Downtown Central Business District. It takes about 40 hours to complete a citywide plow. Once all streets are passable, the removal of any center berms becomes the priority. 

Snow removal priorities are arterials and emergency service areas, such as hospitals, fire and police stations. Next in line are collector streets, steep hills and curves and school bus routes. 

Then, plowing will commence in residential areas.  

The city’s five snow gates will enable residential areas to receive snow gate service, but there is a chance they may not be used.

So, when the snow falls and you find a berm blocking your driveway, don't lose your cool.