WSDOT reminds drivers to stay patient after 2 snow plows hit in less than 24 hours

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be patient on the roads after two of its plows were struck in eastern Washington in less than 24 hours.

The first crash happened late Sunday night on state Route 904 in Spokane County.

A car crashed into a plow, rupturing the plow’s fuel tank.

The driver of the car was arrested for DUI. Only minor injuries were reported.

The plow will be out of service for at least a week, according to WSDOT.

A second plow was rear-ended on state Route 28 near Harrington in Lincoln County on Monday morning.

WSDOT says the plow was slowing down to turn into a pit site when it was hit.

The driver of the car had minor injuries. The driver of the plow was unharmed.

That plow is also out of service while WSDOT mechanics assess its damage.

WSDOT says several other plows have been hit so far this season, at a time when it needs all of its equipment available.

Its operators have also been reporting drivers attempting to pass them on shoulders.

“PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be patient around plows,” reads a post on the agency’s Facebook page. “Our crews are trying to keep drivers safe. Let Them!”

WSDOT reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and sober, and give its plows plenty of room on the roadways.

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