UDOT urges caution after a snowplow accident amid an unexpected storm

SANTAQUIN, Utah (KUTV) — As the start of a winter storm hits the state, UDOT is urging caution on the roads after an accident involving one of its snowplows Tuesday morning.

The sudden change in weather, particularly in southern Utah County, caught some drivers by surprise as snow began to fall.

Vonna Johnson, who drove from Genola to work in Santaquin early Tuesday morning, described the conditions as snow was falling.

MORE: Rain and snow today will lead to the first frost of the season in several areas this evening

“You could feel it pulling on your car,” she said.

She said having a Jeep was helpful, but the sudden change in weather was still surprising.

“We never know. One day it's spring and the next it's fall, and who knows, maybe tomorrow we'll have summer,” she said.

UDOT spokesman Wyatt Wooley said crews were out in full force – particularly on mountain passes where one of their snow plows narrowly hit US-6.

“One of the people passing by (the snowplow) noticed there was a lot of snow and stuff in front of him, so he immediately slowed down, which our snowplow right behind him can't slow down. And so he clipped his wing,” Wooley said.

Fortunately, both drivers were uninjured and the damage was minimal.

Wooley emphasized that drivers should never pass snow plows, saying, “It can be very dangerous.”

He urged drivers to slow down, stay alert and be extra careful around plows.

As temperatures drop, UDOT crews are closely monitoring road conditions that could become slick overnight.

They reminded drivers to drive according to conditions, reduce speed on wet roads and be aware of changing weather.

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