The collision occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Highway 2 near mile 78 when an 18-year-old Bonners Ferry woman is reported to have hit some slush and and lost control and nicked the plow of the oncoming truck, sending her into a spin and into the guardrail, seriously damaging her car.
Last winter, 17 plow strike occurred across Idaho, most often due to drivers attempting to pass.
ITD reminds motorists across east Idaho to use common safe winter driving practices:
- Brush and scrape your windows before driving. Starting the defrost in your vehicle well before you leave is very helpful.
- Slow way down! Speed limits are based on ideal conditions and aren’t appropriate during winter weather.
- Maintain substantial distance between yourself and other drivers—don’t follow closely.
- Stay calm and don’t make sudden wheel movements in icy conditions.
- Don’t use cruise control in the winter.
- Obey posted road closure signs and lights—finding a back way to access closed roads is dangerous and delays plow work to get them re-opened! Remember roads are only closed for good reason. Unexpected traffic and crashes significantly delay getting the road re-opened.
- Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle with supplies like water, lights, warm clothes and blankets, etc.
- When you see plows, give them room to work. That means leaving plenty of following distance, not crowding them and letting them lead the way.
- Know before you go by checking conditions at 511.idaho.gov or on the Idaho 511 app. Cameras can show you exactly what to expect on