(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY

Plow collision prompts driver safety reminder through holiday travel season

Dec 22, 2025 | 5:10 PM

MERRITT — Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) Nicola is reminding drivers to keep their distance from plows and other road clearing equipment, after one of their plows was involved in a hit and run over the weekend.

You’re not supposed to pass a plow truck on the right when its working, but YRB Nicola’s General Manager Dave Duncan says it does happen. He told CFJC Sunday saw another close call on the Coquihalla, south of Merritt.

A tandem truck was doing some plowing and sanding with its wing down, when a smaller vehicle drove up from behind and tried to pass on the right side. The driver of the vehicle involved reportedly fled the scene, and Duncan said the plow operator wasn’t hurt, despite being run off the road.

“It hit the wing and then the plow truck operator wound up into the median and the vehicle sort of came to a stop beside the plow truck,” Duncan said, noting the plow is still operational.

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“Every winter season there’s at least three or four vehicles impacts from behind with plow trucks. So it’s unfortunately an occurrence that’s too common.”

Heading into a week of busy holiday travel and with more snow expected to fall on high elevation roads, drivers are being asked to practice patience.

“Sort of over the holiday season it looks like there’s consistent smaller amounts of snow,” added Duncan. “Definitely winter conditions up on the Coquihalla, as I was saying there’s over two metres of snow in the last seven days alone.”

YRB has about 60 plow trucks in its fleet, along with other snow management equipment, and Duncan said their vehicles are expected to be up and down the highways throughout the holidays. He’s reminding drivers to give those trucks a space and to take it slow.

“Our operators are out there 24/7 working, and we just thank everyone for their patience when they come across us,” Duncan said.