Dashcam video released by the Utah Department of Transportation shows the moment a truck clipped a state snowplow on a highway, causing the driver to lose control and go over the edge of the road and into the Spanish Fork Canyon.
The driver, Terry Jacobson, miraculously survived and is being treated with serious injuries in Provo’s Utah Valley Hospital.
Jacobson was described by his superiors as a ‘veteran driver’, and has been working for the department for 23 years.
His son Shane Jacobson told KUTV: ‘After seeing the video, it’s a miracle he is here.’
He said his father is in pain but is speaking and alert.
The accident occurred on Thursday when a truck driver attempted to pass the snow plow on its right hand side. Without enough room to do so, it clipped the plow, and sent him rolling down 300 feet of embankment.
The truck driver William Owens of Owens Brothers trucking, a company from Monroe, Utah, stopped and called police immediately.
Owens was cited for improper passing and failure to maintain a single lane of travel. It is not yet clear if he will be charged.
DOT spokesman John Gleason told CNN that the driver was wearing his seat belt and that it saved his life.
Neil Lundell, UDOT supervisor said in a YouTube video: ‘He says he doesn’t remember very much other than going through the rail and rolling down the hill.’
The DOT released the footage to remind drivers to take extra precaution when driving near snowplows.
Executive director Carlos Braceras said in the YouTube video: ‘This was by far and away the most serious crash we’ve had with one of our snowplows.
‘We want to make sure people understand to let these snow plow operators do the job they need to do.’
The video was also released with the message: The incident serves as a reminder of the need to give plows plenty of room so they can clear the roads safely.
SOURCE: ABIGAIL MILLER
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