Snowplow drivers: Unsung heroes of the road

Derk Hurst has been plowing Interstate 15 between Dubois and Monida since 5 a.m. It’s his 15th straight day working 12-hour shifts, plowing the roads as winter storms threaten the safety of drivers.

“Fighting Mother Nature and then having to keep up with the traffic and keep the roads cleaned off so that the traffic can get through it,” Hurst said. “It’s the most tiring job you’ll ever have, plowing snow.”

I-15 has already closed in multiple areas this week and the current storm is expected to hang around for a few more days. While closing the interstate and highways can hinder the public’s travel plans, the Idaho Transportation Department is always thinking about the safety of drivers.

“When we close the interstate though, or a highway, we don’t go out there,’ Hurst said. “We close it because it’s too bad for traffic. And even though we’re plowing snow and trying to keep it open, we’re considered traffic. So when we close it we go home because it’s not safe.”

Snowplow drivers aren’t just clearing the roads. There are a lot of variables they watch out for, including drivers in trouble, like their own truck, which got stuck in some snow off an exit.

“In the wintertime, we are the first responders because we are the first ones on scene all the time because we’re out here nonstop,” Hurst said. “So if there’s a wreck, slide off, we do stop, make sure there’s no problems. If there’s no problems we can call it in and get an officer up here to sit on them until they can come out. If there’s more than just a slide off and just a wreck, then yes, by all means. We’re all trained in first aid and CPR to help anybody that needs help at any time.”

Snowplow drivers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the winter. Despite the long hours and very few days off, Hurst says he loves the work.

“Watching that snow come out of the end of my shoot is the most awesomist thing in the world,” he said. “And knowing that I’m doing the public a service by keeping this road safe for them to drive on.”

One way to show your appreciation for snowplow drivers clearing the roads is to give them space. Stay back far enough where they can see you in their mirrors. And if you do decide to pass, complete the pass, don’t just drive on their side in their blind spot.