Snowplow driver recovering after plunging down 300-foot embankment
(KUTV) Terry Jacobson, 59, a UDOT snowplow driver of 23 years, is recovering in the hospital after his plow plunged down a 300 foot embankment in Spanish Fork Canyon.
Jacobson's plow veered off the road when a semi truck driver tried to pass him and hit his plow.
Another driver, who had a dashboard camera, recorded the incident.
"After seeing the video, it's a miracle he is here," said Shane Jacobson of his father who has broken bones and fractures.
He said his father is in a lot of pain but he is speaking and alert. The family is waiting to hear from doctors what the impact of his injuries will be.
The video shows the semi truck passing the plow and then the plow shooting across the median into oncoming traffic and over the embankment.
Two other vehicles were seconds from being hit by the plow.
Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Toney said the truck driver that caused the accident is William Owens of Owens Brothers trucking, a company from Monroe, Utah.
Toney said Owens confirmed he tried to pass the snowplow but couldn't offer a reason why.
Owens was cited for improper passing and failure to maintain a single lane of travel.
Whether he will be charged is up to the county attorney, said Toney.
Carlos Braceras, Executive Director of UDOT, said there is no good reason for any driver to ever pass a 70,000 pound snow plow.
"Please help us do the job we are doing for you and protect our employees like we protect you," Braceras said.
