Snowplows hit by motorists

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I-91 between exits 7 and 8 was closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene of one of 4 snowplow  accidents in Vermont yesterday.

I-91 between exits 7 and 8 was closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene of one of 4 snowplow  accidents in Vermont yesterday.

http://www.wcax.com/story/28004742/vtrans-4-snowplows-hit-by-motorists

VTrans: 4 snowplows hit by motorists Posted: Feb 02, 2015 4:36 PM EST Updated: Feb 02, 2015 6:44 PM EST By Adam Sullivan ASCUTNEY, Vt. - Snow caused havoc on roads throughout Vermont Monday. Dozens of accidents were reported, including ones involving the plows out trying to clear the roads. VTrans plows are on the road during storms to make sure drivers can get where they need to go. But Monday afternoon one plow on Interstate 91 wasn't going anywhere. Officials say the truck was hit by a passing 18-wheeler, which then triggered chain reaction crashes involving at least six vehicles. "A tractor trailer tried to pass the AOT vehicle, hit him, and then another car come along and got side-swiped by another tractor trailer up front. And then a car went off the road trying to avoid the whole mess," said Ascutney Fire Chief Darrin Spaulding. The Interstate between exits 7 and 8 was closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene. Luckily only one person was taken to the hospital for observation. In Milton, a Ryder truck and another state plow truck collided on Interstate 89. The plow truck driver got out unhurt, but the driver in the other truck had to be removed from the big rig with the Jaws of Life. It took crews more than 40 minutes to get him out. "He had some facial abrasions. He was pinned in the vehicle and couldn't get him out with out rolling the dash and cutting doors and trees -- the whole thing," said Milton Fire Chief Don Turner. "So, obviously disturbing to us because our folks are out there working really hard to keep the roads plowed and safe," said Vtrans' Scott Rogers. He says the agency's trucks are usually involved in 10 to 12 accidents a year, but on Monday alone, four plow trucks were hit. He reminds drivers to give plow trucks plenty of room and don't follow too closely. "A little bit surprising to us to have so many happen in one day and it's concerning," Rogers said. "These are enormous orange vehicles with lots of strobe lights, you'd think people would see them a mile away... ... I think sometimes folks get a little impatient and try to squeeze by and they end up hitting the truck. We always say we have two sizes of trucks, big and bigger, and they're not something you want to rear end." Other trucks had a tough drive too. A tractor trailer flipped near exit 13 on Interstate 89. A wrecker was brought in to pull it back on the highway. And travel was tricky for everyone. Dozens of other crashes were reported around the state, including one of off I-89 northbound near Waterbury. "Road conditions are continuing to get a lot worse throughout the day," said Lebanon Police Capt. Tim Cohen. The snow coated roads in Lebanon early Monday morning and tow trucks were busy. "Treat the roads with caution. If you have to go out, go slow. Take it easy. Give yourself plenty of time and be safe," Capt. Cohen said. A message echoed by Governor Peter Shumlin, who issues a statement reminding drivers to go slow so crews can do their jobs, and "ensure everyone gets home safely tonight."