ODOT worker recalls being hit by driver while plowing snow

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) -If you see crews out on the roads, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials have a reminder for drivers : don’t crowd the plow.

It’s a phrase one worker told 13 Action News he wishes people would take more seriously.

Gavin Cogswell is an ODOT highway technician in Williams County.

He said while plowing snow on SR 49 last Wednesday, he was involved in a crash. ODOT said a car struck the left side of his truck.

Cogswell said he wasn’t sure what happened at first.

“It kinda startled me, but I realized it and seen him spinning out and had to stop, make sure nobody else hit him,” Cogswell said.

ODOT District 2 posted on Facebook about two snow plows being hit by alleged drunk drivers.

Cogswell was driving one of those plows. Luckily, there were no serious injuries.

“Just brings more danger to the job,” Cogswell said. “People should just remember to slow down and give us room.”

He said he hopes hearing from workers like him and seeing similar posts will prompt drivers to pay more attention in bad weather.

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