IOWA — The Iowa Department of Transportation announced on Friday that a record number of vehicles crashed into their snowplows during Wednesday’s storm.

According to the DOT, a total of 15 plows were hit — a one-day record for equipment strikes during winter. The previous one-day record was set in 2024 when nine plows were hit.

The Iowa State Patrol responded to several of these crashes and shared photos of the crash scenes on Facebook.

Since the start of the snow season, 25 snowplows have been hit by vehicles, the DOT said. The majority consisted of rear-end collisions and sideswipes on interstates and U.S. and state highways.

With more snow on the way the DOT is reminding motorists to drive safely around snowplows.

“Working plows travel 10 to 35 miles per hour and create a cloud of snow that impacts visibility. We’re seeing drivers approach these plumes without reducing their speeds,” Craig Bargfrede, winter operations manager, said in a statement. “With more systems on the way today, tomorrow, and next week, we need drivers to remember that we are sharing the road to clear the way for them, but we need cooperation and more cautious driving.”

The DOT has provided the following tips for drivers to prevent crashing into a plow:

• Don’t crowd the plow
• Never pass on the shoulder-side of a plow
• Watch for wing blades
• Don’t tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows
• Don’t travel beside a plow for long periods
• Move as far away from the centerline of the pavement
• Allow plenty of room if passing
• Use your headlights

You can stay up-to-date on the latest weather forecast at this link.

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