Semi-trucks cause partial Fourth of July Pass closure
An Idaho State Patrol trooper coordinates with a tow truck to clear a spun-out semi-truck on Fourth of July Pass on Thursday.
Photo by WESLEY REESE
Wesley Reese was one of many drivers Thursday morning that got stuck in long lines of traffic atop Fourth of July Pass.
"99% of accidents and the reason the pass was blocked is semi trucks ignoring the chains required signs," Reese posted into the Fourth of July pass info/discussion Facebook group, "ISP have 3 trucks pulled over but plenty of other trucks are trying to get chains on before they get caught."
Idaho State Police units, including trooper Mike Lininger, responded to the snowy mountain pass that morning for reports of multiple spun-out semi-trucks completely blocking the flow of eastbound traffic near milepost 24.
The situation was so severe at one point that troopers completely shut down that direction of travel.
"Please stop in Coeur d'Alene," ISP tweeted. "We are blocking traffic at milepost 24 and you will not be able to proceed further until the road is clear. All commercial vehicle traffic, please stop where you can. Huetter POE is full."
Thankfully, road crews were able to get things moving again roughly 30 minutes after the closure was announced.
While no injuries resulted from the incident, trooper Lininger explained that this type of occurrence is happening far too frequently.
"It's becoming more and more common on both Fourth of July and Lookout passes," he said. "It's simply because a lot of the commercial drivers are trying to pull the hill without a set of chains — as required."
Even one semi-truck spinning out can create a chain reaction that affects everyone driving behind them. He added that weather and speeds too fast for the conditions are also huge factors. This is why Lininger stresses that chain usage is vital when weather conditions call for them.
"Idaho law states that it is required for federally regulated commercial vehicles to chain up on Fourth of July and Lookout when the Idaho Transportation Department deems that it is required — taking into account road and weather conditions. If they do not have chains on, it's a violation," he said.
Thursday morning alone, ISP issued five chain-up violation tickets on Lookout Pass; another hot spot for winter semi-truck crashes.
To know when a chain-up law is in effect, drivers can call 511, check pass conditions online, or check out road signage that warns oncoming traffic.
When he has interviewed truck drivers in the past who have been involved in these situations, Lininger has found that many have never driven in snowy conditions before and/or simply thought they could make it without having to chain up.
If a situation like the one on Thursday occurs and you find yourself stuck in your vehicle with nowhere to go, it is recommended that you plan ahead and leave the house equipped.
Lininger recommends drivers prepare themselves and their family for the possibility of being stuck in traffic, especially if you plan on driving over one of the mountain passes in the winter.
"Even if you are not involved in a crash, you might be stuck in your car for two or three hours because of a crash," he said.
Items that can be helpful in that situation include bringing proper clothing, high-energy food, water and a heavy blanket. He also recommends getting fuel before departing, not when you get to your destination.