Butler County Accident Caused by Snowplow on Overpass

A recent accident involving a snowplow in Butler County may prompt changes to snow removal on overpasses and bridges in Pennsylvania. The accident occurred last Saturday in Muddy Creek Township, Butler County. A snow plow driver was clearing the road when he pushed snow and ice from the bridge onto an SUV traveling below. The falling snow and ice crashed thru the windshield injuring the driver. There were five people, including 2 children, in the vehicle, but only the driver was injured.

The SUV was traveling Route 422 when the PennDot snow plow pushed ice and snow over the wall on Route 19 and onto the vehicle below. The windshield of the SUV was shattered and the driver was taken to the hospital for minor eye injuries. No one else in the car was injured. At least 4 feet of snow had been packed against the walls of the bridge.

Several years ago, a similar incident involving a car parked near an overpass occurred in Butler County. To help prevent this from happening again, policy for plowing bridges and overpasses will change. Once snow has been plowed against the sides of bridges and overpasses the snow will then be removed by a front loader. Flag crews will be used to assist the snow removal.

PennDOT in the state’s capital has not yet issued a statement as to whether this accident will prompt policy change throughout the state. This case is being treated as an accident. The PennDot snow plow driver was unaware of the problem until he stopped moments later to help the passengers in the SUV.

Source: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/3218941-74/snow-ice-skrak#ixzz2GwgxptUe