A woman in her sixties suffered serious leg injuries after a snow plow ran over her in an apartment complex parking lot on Thursday afternoon. According to Atkinson Police, the plow driver was clearing snow when they began backing up and struck the woman as she was removing snow from her car. She was pinned under the truck but remained conscious.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this involving commercial vehicles, I think about the importance of situational awareness and safety measures. In cases like these, there are often questions about what visibility precautions were in place and whether they were properly used.
Were Proper Visibility Measures in Place?
One of the key factors investigators should examine is whether the snow plow had functioning backup cameras or warning alarms. Many commercial plows are equipped with safety features designed to alert pedestrians and drivers when the vehicle is in reverse. If these systems were not working or were not used properly, that could be a major issue.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Investigators should also determine whether the driver was distracted or fatigued at the time of the crash. Snow removal work often requires long hours during storms, sometimes overnight, which can lead to driver fatigue and slowed reaction times. Reviewing plowing logs, shift records, and potential surveillance footage could help clarify whether fatigue contributed to the incident.
Distraction is another concern. If the driver was adjusting equipment, using a phone, or focusing on another task while reversing, they may not have noticed the woman behind them. Investigators should review cell phone records and any available dashcam footage to determine whether distraction played a role.
Why a Full Investigation Matters
For those affected by this incident, understanding exactly what happened is critical. Determining whether the plow driver had proper visibility and alert systems, and whether distraction or fatigue played a role, is essential for accountability. In my experience, these types of cases often reveal overlooked safety issues that could have prevented the crash.