2 crashes into snow plows as WSDOT warns drivers about slippery roads

As the snow starts to melt and the normal Seattle winter rain returns, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is reminding drivers to still slow down and use caution on the roads, specifically around snow plows.

In less than 24 hours, two plows were hit in eastern Washington, prompting a warning from the transportation department, as well as a request for extra patience around snow plows.

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“We’re glad that no one was seriously hurt, but that’s two plows now on the shelf at a time when we need all our equipment available. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be patient around plows,” WSDOT wrote in a Facebook post. “We’ve had several hits so far this season, and our operators are reporting drivers trying to pass them on shoulders”

The first crash happened late Sunday night on State Route 904 in Spokane County, when a car crashed into a plow, rupturing the plow’s fuel tank.

The driver of the car was arrested for DUI, and only minor injuries were reported, but the plow will be out of service for at least a week.

A second plow was rear-ended on State Route 28 near Harrington in Lincoln County Monday morning when it was slowing down to turn into a pit site.

The driver of the car had minor injuries, and 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, which comes at a time when it needs all of its equipment available.

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

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