ODOT reports second plow crash this month in Hocking County

According to a Facebook post by the ODOT Southeastern Ohio District 10, the plow truck crashed on U.S. Route 33 eastbound, between State Route 180 and State Route 664.

“It’s the ninth time a plow truck has been hit statewide this week alone,” the Facebook post said. “We know we say it a lot, but it bears repeating: don’t crowd the plow!”

The plow was hit from behind, Ashley Rittenhouse, public information officer for ODOT, said. The ODOT employee did not report any injuries, she said. The crash happened around 7 a.m.

Another crash occurred in Hocking County on Feb. 10 on State Route 664, Rittenhouse said. ODOT accidents have been on the rise throughout the state, she said. Rittenhouse stressed: “Don’t crowd the plow.”

“Hopefully, drivers start taking that seriously and heading our advice,” Rittenhouse said. “It’s becoming an all too common occurrence.”

According to another Facebook post by the ODOT Southeastern Ohio District 10, 101 crews were plowing and treating roads at 7 a.m. Thursday morning.

Rittenhouse recommends drivers give themselves enough time to adjust their commute to weather conditions, and not to follow ODOT vehicles too closely. Distracted driving and excessive speed should also be avoided, too.

“Give (our workers) space,” Rittenhouse said. “Give them room to do what they’re doing; it is a huge vehicle with a huge plow on (its) front. They’re just trying to make the roads as safe as possible, and passable.”