A YRB Nicola snowplow in the ditch on the Coquihalla Highway (Image Credit: YRB Nicola/Facebook)

By Victor Kaisar

Snowplow Safety

YRB Nicola pleading with drivers after snowplow hit by vehicle passing on the right

Dec 21, 2025 | 3:34 PM

MERRITT — The highway maintenance contractor responsible for clearing snow off a large chunk of the Coquihalla is pleading with drivers to never pass a snowplow on the right.

In a post on social media Sunday (Dec. 21), Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) Nicola said one of its snowplows went off the road after it was hit by a vehicle which was passing on the right.

“Not only is this very dangerous for our operator, but also takes a plow out of service that would be able to keep the roads safe,” YRB Nicola said in the post.

YRB added its crews have been working around the clock to keep the roads clear as the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla has been under a snowfall warning since Thursday. There is more snow in the forecast, however a travel advisory was lifted this afternoon.

“With the heavy snowfall we have gotten over the Coquihalla this week, our crews have been working non stop to keep the roads safe and open for the public,” YRB added.

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“Please slow down, drive to conditions and NEVER pass a plow on the right while they are working.”

More about snowplow safety in B.C. can be found here.