Height of Land Township, MN (December 17, 2024) – An injury accident occurred at approximately 6:58 AM on Highway 34, between Mile Markers 47 and 48, in Becker County. Emergency responders from St. Mary’s Ambulance quickly arrived at the scene of the collision, which involved two vehicles: a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier and a 2008 Freightliner MNDOT plow truck.
Reports indicate that both vehicles were traveling westbound when the Chevrolet Cavalier collided with the rear of the plow truck. The road conditions were snowy and icy at the time of the crash, which likely contributed to the incident. The driver of the Chevrolet Cavalier, 23-year-old Austin Lee Engel, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. The driver of the plow truck, 28-year-old Zachery Allen Krause, was uninjured and did not require medical attention.
The airbags in the Chevrolet Cavalier deployed during the collision, but the plow truck was not equipped with airbags. The accident is under investigation, and authorities will provide further details as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident, and we wish Mr. Engel a swift recovery.
Driving Safely Around Snowplows and Winter Conditions
Snowplows are a critical part of maintaining safe roadways during winter, but they also pose unique challenges for drivers. Incidents like this one on Highway 34 highlight the need for caution and awareness when sharing the road with these large vehicles in icy and snowy conditions.
Key Safety Tips for Driving Near Snowplows:
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows. They may stop abruptly, and their rear visibility is limited.
- Do Not Pass on the Right: Snowplows push snow and ice to the right, creating dangerous conditions if you attempt to overtake them on that side.
- Be Patient: Snowplows move at slower speeds to ensure thorough clearing of the road. Plan for extra travel time during winter weather.
- Anticipate Reduced Traction: Icy and snowy conditions can make sudden stops or turns hazardous. Drive slower and brake gently.
Winter Crash Statistics:
- According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, winter-related crashes account for a significant percentage of annual collisions in the state.
- Rear-end accidents, like this one, are among the most common during snow and ice events due to reduced visibility and stopping distances.
This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to adjust their habits to accommodate winter road conditions. Simple precautions, such as reducing speed and maintaining extra space between vehicles, can help prevent serious accidents.
Local Accident Reports encourages drivers to remain vigilant and follow these winter driving best practices to ensure safety for everyone on the road. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a collision, Local Accident Reports offers updates and resources to assist during recovery. Stay safe and drive responsibly this winter.