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Snowplows hit in three crashes during late-February storm

Snowplows were involved in three separate crashes on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities area when a storm left several inches of snow in the area.

Snowplows were involved in three separate crashes on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities area when a storm left several inches of snow in the area February 25 and 26, 2015.

See & Share Your Photos: Late February 2015 Snow

“As the snow hit the ground, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) immediately hit the pavement and, unfortunately, other motorists hit them,” said Illinois State Police Trooper Jason Wilson.  Two snowplows were hit by tractor-trailers that tried to pass them, and one was hit by a car that ran a red light, Wilson said.

A passenger car was extensively damaged after it ran a red light  and was struck by a snowplow on Avenue of the Cities at 1st Street in East Moline, Wilson said.

Another snowplow, clearing the right shoulder was struck by a tractor-trailer that attempted to pass it, but instead ripped the plow blade off and pushed the snowplow into the guardrail along westbound Interstate 80 at mile post 24, four miles east of Geneseo.    Both vehicles had extensive damage, Wilson said.

A tractor-trailer was also trying to pass a snowplow when it struck the blade along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 88 at mile post 11, Wilson said.  In that case, the damage was minor and both vehicles were still drivable.

“We must remember the men and women operating snowplows are putting their lives on the line to ensure our roadways have been cleared and remain safe for the motoring public,” said Illinois State Police District 7 Commander Lt. Jon Dively.  “Motorists approaching snowplows with flashing amber lights must slow down, give the plow enough room to operate safely and, if you choose to pass them, only do so on a straight level surface.”

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