Bold claim: Idaho’s snowplows could become far safer on Idaho roads this winter. The Idaho Transportation Department is testing upgraded lighting on its plows to cut down on collisions and boost visibility for road crews, and the changes could become standard across the state if results prove effective.
In the eastern part of Idaho, drivers may notice several new features on ITD snowplows:
- Two higher-mounted over-cab strobe lights
- Four larger, more robust wing lights mounted on and beside the wing blade
- Six rear lights on the back of the truck, flashing in a coordinated pattern
- A new reflective orange and yellow checkerboard design at the truck’s rear
- A six-inch-tall green “whip” light on the wing edge
The green whip light is already successful in other states and represents a notable shift for Idaho.
ITD Operations Manager Ty Winther explains,
"Green means go, but it also grabs attention. That’s the core goal—to capture drivers’ attention and keep road workers safer."
These trial lights were selected and installed by ITD plow operators, mechanics, and welders. If the tests show a measurable reduction in snowplow strikes and better visibility for workers year-round, the new lighting will be rolled out on newer plow trucks as a standard statewide update.
Historical context shows the impact: ITD recorded 17 strike incidents in 2023-24 and 11 in 2024-25, many involving collisions with the wing plow that clears both the lane and the shoulder. Winther notes,
"Whenever a strike occurs, we ask what could have prevented it. We may not know the lives saved, but we treat every avoided crash as a success worth documenting."
Beyond lighting, ITD emphasizes fundamental winter driving practices: slow down, maintain extra space from others, brake gradually, keep lights on at all times, and minimize distractions.
For current winter road conditions and driving reports, the Idaho 511 app and website (http://511.idaho.gov) are reliable resources.
If you’d like to discuss these changes or share your experience with winter plow safety, feel free to comment below and let us know your thoughts on how these upgrades could influence driving behavior.
