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CDOT Snowplow Involved in Head-On Collision With Vehicle On Highway 40

EMPIRE, Colo. (CBS4) - One person was injured after a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow hit an SUV head on Sunday morning in Clear Creek County near Empire.

The crash happened on Highway 40 near mile marker 249 at approximately 6:20 a.m. The Colorado State Patrol was on scene. They said the driver of the SUV was driving too fast for the conditions.

The 38-year-old driver of the SUV was rushed to St. Anthony Hospital with serious injuries. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash and no charges are currently pending.

CDOT Maintenance Supervisor Alan Martinez wants drivers to be aware that the plows need extra room.

"Multiple vehicles passing on the right side, which is our blind side where we're throwing snow, that's where we're trying to clear it to," Martinez said.

Berthoud Plow A1
An image from the crash (credit: CBS)

While trying to clear snow is a plow driver's first priority, they are constantly watching out for other drivers trying to prevent an accident.

"It can happen at the drop of a dime," Martinez said.

CDOT cameras caught another snowplow truck skidding Sunday morning on Interstate 70 near the El Rancho exit after passing a car on the side of the road.

"We ask you to please give us some room. Back off. We're going to hold you up for a moment, it's going to delay you, but if you could back off, let us do our work, we'll get you there safely," Martinez said.

Martinez recommends drivers stay about 150 to 200 feet back from snowplows.

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