5/9/2013
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Drivers reminded to be cautious around highway equipment
BOISE - Now that the winter doldrums have passed, more drivers have taken to the highways and state crews have returned to these same routes for spring and summer construction and repair. The combination only heightens the potential for crashes between vehicles and workers.
Just last week a car following a road crew ran into the back of a vegetation truck spraying for weeds on the shoulder of a Utah highway. ITD has had its share of close calls, too.
One of the problems comes from drivers misjudging vehicle distances: “If we get our attenuator/flasher truck too far back from the street sweeper, drivers go around it, duck back in and run into the maintenance equipment,” explained Dan Bryant, ITD Southwest Idaho maintenance coordinator.
“On the other hand, if we have the attenuator too close to the sweeper, drivers may indicate that they have insufficient warning.”
“The attenuator/flasher truck has flashing lights to warn drivers, but some motorists just don’t look very far ahead,” he added. “It can be a difficult situation. Drivers can help us by slowing down, paying attention and being patient as our crews work to make the highway drive a better one for motorists.”
Ken Couch, ITD maintenance foreman for the Caldwell shed, added that there have been a variety of crashes during the last few years, but that sideswipes are the most prevalent.
Here's a picture of the most recent incident in the Caldwell area, with the side-view mirror the most visible casualty.
